Take Off Accelerator 2027

About

ABVentures at the University of Aberdeen runs the Take Off Accelerator 2027, a six-week training and pitching competition for current University of Aberdeen students and recent graduates within two years, offering equity-free prizes including a £5,000 Student Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Benefits

• 💰Cash prizes
  Conditional on winning: equity-free prizes of up to £5,000, comprising the University of Aberdeen Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award £5,000, Engineering Award £1,500, Science Award £1,500, Sustainability Award £1,500, Community Impact Award £1,500, Best Pitch Award £1,000 and People’s Choice Award £500
• 🎓Accelerator training
  Selected participants receive a six-week flexible entrepreneurial training programme to develop and refine their idea
• 🤝Mentors and coaching
  Selected participants get access to mentors, coaching and personal development support
• 🧑‍💼 Expert feedback
  Access to experienced business experts who provide feedback
• 🌐Networking
  Opportunities to meet other participants on the same journey
• 🎤Pitching opportunity
  The chance to pitch the idea and compete for the prizes

Eligibility Criteria

Mandatory: current University of Aberdeen students (undergraduate, postgraduate taught and postgraduate research) and recent University of Aberdeen graduates within the last two years. The programme is open whether the applicant is developing an idea or already running a business. No preferred eligibility criteria are stated.

Participation Commitments

Selected participants are expected to take part in the six-week accelerator (26 January–5 March 2027); successful finalists are expected to attend the filming and pitching workshop on 7 April 2027 and the Take Off Accelerator Finale on 14 April 2027.

Target Sector

Agriculture & Food, Defense & Security, Education, Energy & Utilities, Financial Services, Government & Public Sector, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Real Estate & Construction, Retail & Consumer, Semiconductors & Electronics, Sports & Fitness, Telecommunications, Transportation & Logistics, Travel & Hospitality, Other

Target Location

Applicant eligibility is tied to current University of Aberdeen students and recent graduates within the last two years; no separate nationality, residence or business-operating-location requirement is stated.