SETsquared2027 deadline, funding, equity and how to apply
University incubator partnership of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter, Southampton and Surrey since 2002. Fee-based membership, no equity; 5,000+ companies supported.
- No cash investment
- Funding
- No equity
- Equity
- Ongoing membership
- Program length
- Rolling
- Applications
About SETsquared
SETsquared is an enterprise partnership of six research-led UK universities: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter, Southampton and Surrey. It was founded in 2002 by Bath, Bristol, Southampton and Surrey. Exeter joined in 2011 and Cardiff in 2021.
It is a university business incubator, not an investor. Startups pay a membership fee and keep their equity. Funding comes mainly from the Higher Education Innovation Fund and those fees.
SETsquared reports 5,000+ companies incubated, 5 billion pounds raised and 15,600 jobs created. In 2015 UBI Global ranked it the top university business incubator in the world. Each university runs its own centre.
Bristol's is at Engine Shed next to Temple Meads station. Others sit at the Bath Innovation Centre, Exeter Science Park, Southampton Science Park, Surrey Research Park and Basing View in Basingstoke. You do not need to be a student or academic.
SETsquared Bristol takes tech startups with a knowledge-based idea and high growth potential, through virtual, residential and pre-incubation membership. Fees vary by centre. Southampton lists membership at 100 pounds plus VAT a month.
Surrey lists residential membership at 465 pounds and hybrid at 260 pounds a month plus VAT. The invite-only Scale-Up Programme costs 1,600 pounds for 12 months. Its next big investor event, Investment Futures 2026, takes place on 24 November 2026 at CodeNode, London.
What SETsquared looks for
SETsquared Bristol states the clearest criteria. You must be a technology startup. Your idea must be knowledge-based, exploiting intellectual property or novel information. It must have very high commercial growth potential. The team favours original ideas that can attract investment, and founders who are open to outside advice and want to get to market fast. There is some flexibility for ventures where SETsquared feels it can add real value. University links help but are not required.
How the SETsquared program works
Membership is the core product. Once accepted at a centre, startups get coaching from Entrepreneurs in Residence and advisers, workshops, investor pitching opportunities and, on residential plans, desks in a university incubator building. Membership types include virtual, residential and pre-incubation.
On top of local support, SETsquared runs network programs. ICURe helps university researchers test the market for their research and spin it out. Student Enterprise supports student founders.
GW-SHIFT trains people for the hydrogen sector. The Scale-Up Programme, now listed among past programmes, gave invited high-growth companies 12 months of support for 1,600 pounds. Investment Futures is the national investor showcase.
The free Deal Readiness Toolkit helps founders prepare to raise.
How to apply to SETsquared
- 1Choose the SETsquared centre nearest you: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter, Southampton or Surrey.
- 2Check the entry criteria: a technology startup with a knowledge-based idea and very high growth potential.
- 3Review that centre's membership levels and fees, since prices differ by site.
- 4Complete the online application with your business overview, customers, financials and team.
- 5Meet the centre team, agree a membership type (virtual, residential or pre-incubation) and start.
Startup perks after acceptance
Accelerator startups qualify for most startup credit programs. These are the ones founders claim first.
Notable SETsquared alumni
Companies that went through or were backed by SETsquared.
SETsquared vs similar accelerators
| Program | Funding | Equity | Location | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SETsquared | No cash investment | No equity | Bristol | Rolling admissions |
| AWS Generative AI Accelerator | Up to $1M | No equity | Seattle, WA | Next deadline not announced yet |
| Conception X | Up to $390K | No equity | London | December 6, 2026 (40 days left) |
| WILCO | Up to $173K | No equity | Paris | Next deadline not announced yet |
| Microsoft for Startups (formerly Founders Hub) | Up to $150K | No equity | Online | Rolling admissions |
| KAUST TAQADAM Accelerator | Up to $140K | No equity | Thuwal, Saudi Arabia | Next deadline not announced yet |
SETsquared FAQ
When is the SETsquared application deadline?+
SETsquared reviews applications on a rolling basis, so you can apply at any time.
Does SETsquared take equity?+
No. SETsquared is a fee-based university incubator. Startups pay membership fees and keep their equity. Fees vary by centre: Southampton lists 100 pounds plus VAT a month, while Surrey lists 260 pounds for hybrid and 465 pounds for residential membership. The invite-only Scale-Up Programme cost 1,600 pounds for 12 months.
Do I need to be linked to a university to join SETsquared?+
No. SETsquared centres support technology startups from the wider community, not only students and staff. The main tests are a knowledge-based idea and high growth potential. Programs such as ICURe and Student Enterprise are aimed specifically at university researchers and students.
Is SETsquared really the best university incubator in the world?+
UBI Global ranked SETsquared the top university-based business incubator in the world in 2015, and the top in Europe for three years running at that time. That ranking is now more than ten years old. SETsquared's own current figures are 5,000+ companies incubated and 5 billion pounds raised.
Which startups came through SETsquared?+
SETsquared Bristol names Ultrahaptics, now Ultraleap, which had its first office there, along with YellowDog, Interactive Scientific and Red7Mobile. Red7Mobile joined in 2011 and was sold to Scientific Games in 2017. The network says its companies have helped create 15,600 jobs.
Sources: setsquared.co.uk, setsquared-bristol.co.uk, en.wikipedia.org, science-park.co.uk, surrey-research-park.com, setsquared.co.uk