Top 100 Student Startups Selected: The 2026 UNiDAYS Startup Accelerator Begins

The search for the UK’s most promising student entrepreneurs has reached a pivotal milestone. After weeks of reviewing applications from every corner of the country, we are thrilled to officially announce the Top 100 student startups have been selected to join our 2026 Accelerator Program.

This isn't just a list; it’s a snapshot of the future of British business. From Edinburgh University in Scotland to the University of Exeter in the South West, the quality of applications proves that Gen Z founders are ready to disrupt industries ranging from Deep Tech and AI to sustainable fashion and mental health gaming.

The Class of 2026: By the Numbers

The diversity of this cohort proves that entrepreneurial talent is spread evenly across the UK. However, our data reveals two universities that have become true hubs for student innovation:

• The Heavyweight: City St George's University of London is our biggest contributor, securing 21 spots in the Top 100. Their dominance highlights a thriving ecosystem for early-stage startups in the capital.
• The Efficiency Expert: The University of Sussex achieved a remarkable 79% success rate. With 11 of their 14 applicants making the cut, Sussex students proved they are pitch-ready from day one.

We also saw fantastic engagement from the University of Derby (dominating creative consumer goods) and UEA (leading on sustainability), alongside resilient solo founders from Brunel, Manchester, and UWE Bristol.

The Journey Begins: Monday, February 16

For the successful Top 100, the next stage of work starts this Monday, February 16.

This isn't a standard university module. This is a 5-week intensive startup accelerator led by Canopy Community, designed specifically for first-time founders balancing study and business.

What You Will Learn:

• Customer Discovery: Stop guessing and start validating.
• MVP Testing: How to build a Minimum Viable Product without a massive budget.
• Storytelling: Crafting a pitch that investors actually want to hear.

You will have access to 17 industry experts and on-demand advice from mentors like Pedro and our own Liam Jeffery. As Liam noted in our preview sessions, we will be pushing you to define your "Moat"—the competitive advantage that protects your business from copycats.

The Destination: Pitch Live at Revolut HQ

The goal of this accelerator is clear: to prepare you for the Grand Finale on April 17, 2026.

Only 10 finalists will be selected from this cohort to travel to London and pitch live at the Revolut Headquarters. The pressure will be on, as you will be presenting to a distinguished panel of angel investors and VCs, including:

• Rachel Sestini (Canopy Capital): Who will be checking if your "numbers match your narrative."
• Elizabeth Shaw (Ada Ventures): Who is looking for founder resilience and your "why."
• Liam Jeffery (StudentVenture): Who is hunting for scalable marketplaces and student-focused tech.
• Simon Squibb: The renowned entrepreneur leading the panel as Head Judge.

Didn’t Make the List? The "Wild Card" Route

If you weren't selected for the Top 100, your journey as a student founder doesn't end here. As mentioned in our live feedback sessions, we are offering a "Wild Card" route.

If you join the wider community program (for just £1), show up to the weekly webinars, and excel in your tasks, we reserve the right to fast-track shining stars into the final selection process. Entrepreneurship is about resilience—you have the opportunity prove you are ready to take on the panel in April.

To our Top 100: Congratulations. Take the weekend to celebrate, and use your time over the next week to prepare yourself, because on Monday 16 Feb, we get to work.

Check your inboxes for your onboarding pack and login details for the Canopy platform.