Launch a SiPh startup: Future Worlds Bootcamp/Cohort information session

​This session is open to researchers from across the UK who are considering launching or scaling a Silicon Photonics startup.

Learn about the Future Worlds Bootcamp and Cohort opportunities, meet the team, ask questions and decide if you'd like to apply to join the Bootcamp.

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Future Worlds, the tech startup accelerator at the University of Southampton, exists to support students and researchers to launch and scale tech startups. Future Worlds Bootcamp is the event that launches the startup journey of many of the founders we work alongside. 

​This year, in partnership with CORNERSTONE, we have a specialist Silicon Photonics stream at Future Worlds Bootcamp, open to SiPh startup founders from universities across the UK. This experience is fully-funded, and reasonable travel/accommodation costs will be covered for participants who are based outside of Southampton.

​For some, Future Worlds Bootcamp will be an intense two-day experience that introduces them to startup fundamentals and a vibrant startup community. You'll leave the weekend having begun to understand the commercial viability of your research, and know if you'd like to grow your idea into a startup. 

​For others, this will be their launchpad into a life-changing programme: the Future Worlds Cohort. The Cohort is a six-month acceleration programme that takes a group of promising startup founders from idea to potential investment through a tried-and-tested approach, including training, mentoring and an immersion in the world of startups, including a trip to Silicon Valley and culminating with a pitch at Future Worlds Demo Day in June 2026.

​Silicon Photonics founders on the Future Worlds Cohort will have the opportunity to apply for a wallet of up to £40k of equity-free funding, to accelerate the growth of their startup through access to specialist support such as prototyping, equipment, and expertise.