Building a community to support innovative start-ups

Supporting innovative start-ups

Innovate UK recognises the pivotal role that incubators and accelerators play. Therefore, we are inviting UK incubators and accelerators which support technology start-ups to come together and build a community. This community aims to enhance visibility across the ecosystem, fostering partnerships and collaboration. By uniting our efforts, we can maximise our collective impact, share best practices, develop pathways for start-ups and ultimately support early-stage businesses to become global tech players.

The United Kingdom is great place for technology start-ups, fostering an environment where innovation thrives. To ensure start-ups not only survive but also grow and scale to their full potential, it’s essential to strengthen national and regional innovation ecosystems. At their heart are the estimated 700+ UK-based incubators and accelerators, who guide early-stage businesses through their critical initial phases.

Who should join the Start-up Connect community?

We are looking for incubators and accelerators, either with national, regional or technology focus to be part of this community.

Our ambition is to co-create an inclusive UK community of incubators and accelerators to strengthen the sector’s ability to support innovative early-stage startups, driving progress for the UK economy and society.

Why join the community?

• You will be part of an integrated network of incubators and accelerators across the whole of the UK
• You will help solve challenges facing start-ups, as well as those facing incubators and accelerators
• You will be able to share best practice with like-minded organisations
• You will make a tangible difference to the UK start-up landscape.

What can members expect?

Joining the Start-up Connect community, members can expect to take part in a mix of panels, roundtable discussions and other networking events which offer opportunities for shared learning, gaining knowledge and strengthening connections across the incubator and accelerator ecosystem.

Discover more from our first in-person event, delivered in partnership with Centre for Entrepreneurs at Aston University, IAN 2025 The Future – building a sustainable ecosystem.

Join the Start-up Connect community

Are you interested in helping solve challenges facing UK start-ups, incubators and accelerators? We welcome you to join the growing Start-up Connect community, that includes individuals and organisations from across the UK.

To join the community and help support innovative start-ups across the UK, please register by filling out the Expression of Interest form.