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Careers, Employability and Enterprise
The bustling Careers and Enterprise Centre entrance in the Palatine Centre

Durham Venture School

We are on a mission to bring together exceptional graduates with a passion for innovation and a drive to make a real impact.

Over three to six transformative months, you will:
  • Be immersed in a dynamic ecosystem filled with expert resources, mentorship, and global connections.
  • Travel to some of the world’s most vibrant startup hubs for unparalleled exposure and inspiration. Previous cohorts have travelled London, New York and Silicon Valley (San Francisco).
  • Build ground breaking ventures with the potential to scale and change the world.
  • Compete for the opportunity to pitch for £10,000 initial funding for your new venture
You don’t need a business idea to take part. The Venture Lab team will help you generate one.
And, to ensure you can focus entirely on your journey, we’re offering a £1,000/month stipend for the first three months.
Don’t miss your chance to create impact and be part of something extraordinary.
When does the programme run? 
  • The in-person section of the main programme will run from Thursday, 28th August to Friday, 19th September 2025. After that, you are welcome to continue working from the Venture Lab in Durham or to continue with the programme remotely.
  • The main programme begins with a 2-day in-person 'Bootcamp' on Thursday 28th and Friday 29th August 2025.
  • If your application to the Durham Venture School is successful, you should be prepared to be in Durham from Thursday, 28th August to Friday, 19th September 2025.
Durham Venture School is a competitive programme. Selected applicants will take part in the initial three-month phase, running until the end of November 2025. At that point, participants will pitch for £10,000 initial funding for their business and the opportunity to continue for a further three months.
Who can apply? 
Graduates of Durham University, including students graduating in 2025, with a burning desire to make a difference in the world. You will need to be ambitious, ready to challenge your own thoughts and ideas, and willing to work as part of a team to make things happen. 
This opportunity is open to all graduates.
International Student graduating in 2025, please contact stephen.r.bowden@durham.ac.uk to discuss your visa options.
Participants will be required to be on the programme on a full-time basis.
How do I apply?
Applications will officially open on Monday, 7th April and close on Friday, 30th May 2025.
The first phase of the application process will be a written application.
If you are successful during the first phase, you will be invited to an interview with the Venture Lab team. 
Successful applicants will be announced by the end of June 2025.
If you are interested in the Durham Venture School please Apply here