iCreate Idea Catalyst (iIC)

The Idea Catalyst is iCreate's entry point for founders who are still at the idea stage. It runs in short batches — recent ones have run for about eleven days — combining mentoring with customer-facing fieldwork, and ends with a pitch to an expert panel.

What you get

• Personalised guidance from startup mentors and industry experts
• A personalised scorecard against five factors for building a successful startup
• Practice pitching to investors and industry experts, with pitch-preparation guidance
• Access to iCreate's alumni network
• A chance at a prototype development grant for shortlisted teams

Who can apply

• Entrepreneurs and teams with an early-stage idea
• University and college students from any discipline
• Inventors, researchers and creators with an original idea

How selection works: Three mentor-guided modules — validating the idea, talking to real customers, then refining or pivoting based on that feedback — ending in a pitch to an expert panel.

How to apply: Apply through the online form on the Idea Catalyst programme page.