Start-up Inspiration

Your start-up could help tackle a global problem.

Are you interested in creating a start-up, or being part of a start-up team?

Are you looking for inspiration to kick-start an innovative business?

Do you want to make a difference in the world? 

Joining the Co-Founders programme to explore a global, societal or community focused problem could be the perfect path for you. 

We all encounter problems every day.

These are the things that, if we had a solution for, life would be easier, more fulfilling, and more impactful. Our mission is to inspire you to think big, collaborate with co-founders, and tackle these global challenges head-on.

Meet Emma

who went through the Co-Founders programme.

She knows first-hand the frustration of receiving a type 1 diabetes diagnosis and the lack of support and information available. This problem not only affected her but also countless others struggling to manage their conditions.

Now, do you want to find a problem to centre your start-up around, just like Emma did?

Here are some essential steps to consider identifying and choosing the right starter problem:

  • What problems or obstacles do you face in your day-to-day life? These are often the most relatable and meaningful starting points.

  • Pay attention to the problems you see in the world around you, at a community level, and in wider society. These can be opportunities to create lasting change.

  • What are you deeply passionate about? What change do you want to see in the world or community? A burning desire to solve a problem can be a powerful driver for your start-up journey.

The Co-Founders programme is here to guide you in turning these problems into actionable insights and ultimately, a successful start-up.

Our experienced mentors and workshops will help you refine your idea, connect with potential co-founders, and navigate the path to creating a start-up that addresses real-world issues. 

Still need some inspiration?

Consider looking at Cluster areas.

Clusters are like hubs where many companies, suppliers, service providers, and institutions all working in the same area come together. These groups are focused on similar things and might sometimes compete, but they also work together. 

In Co-Founders, we focus on the three key areas: Greentech, Health & Life Sciences and Fintech. Here are some examples of previous participants and how they built their startups within one of these cluster areas.  Take a look at the following "How might we" questions to spark some more ideas and inspiration. 

Greentech

  • GoPlugable is dedicated to facilitating the transition to electric vehicles for first-time buyers who lack access to personal home chargers. By providing a platform to locate, reserve, and share neighbouring EV home charging points, we are not only enhancing convenience but also expanding the charging infrastructure. This broadened accessibility promotes the adoption of electric vehicles, contributing positively to environmental sustainability.

  • How might we develop innovative technologies or solutions to promote renewable energy sources, improve energy efficiency, or provide access to clean and affordable energy?

    How might we establish monitoring systems to regularly assess and ensure the quality of water sources, identifying potential contamination and taking appropriate measures?

    How might we build tools and platforms for data collection, analysis, and visualisation that help consumers and businesses track and optimise their energy usage?

Health &
Life Sciences

  • The Insurin mobile app aims to help newly diagnosed diabetics manage their condition with confidence and without fear, ensuring that they will gain independence as they grow throughout their teenage years. The Insurin app will provide behavioral nudges alongside engaging, bitesize insights which are interactive and personalised according to the users needs. Enabling young people to become more engaged with their condition, potentially saving up to 11.2 billion within the NHS. This will provide an early intervention that enhances health and reduces strain on healthcare providers, freeing up time and resources across the NHS.

  • How might we create healthcare solutions, medical technologies, telemedicine platforms, mental health support services, or health-related apps to improve people's well-being?

    How might we design environmentally friendly and efficient methods for medical waste disposal and recycling?

    How might we design an app that connects users to emergency medical services and provides real-time guidance during health emergencies?

Fintech

  • Willow are working on an investment app with 100% green premade, risk rated portfolios focused on returns and impact. Their focus is on making the investment process as smooth and simple as possible, for people to focus only on the most important thing for them.

  • How might we focus on creating job opportunities, promoting fair work practices, or developing technologies that empower individuals in the job market?

    How might we encourage businesses to embrace ethical and responsible practices, including environmental sustainability and fair work standards, supporting decent work and economic growth?

    How might we ensure that marginalised populations have access to financial services and credit to empower individuals to start businesses and contribute to economic growth?

These are just the beginning. The world is full of opportunities to make a difference, and it starts with you.