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Venture Catalyst Challenge (VCC)

Venture Catalyst Challenge

Funds accelerator and pitch support for deep-tech teams at Imperial College through an equity-free venture challenge.

Between cyclesImperial Enterprise (Imperial College London)United Kingdom
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About

The Venture Catalyst Challenge (VCC) 2026, run by Imperial College London's Imperial Enterprise Lab, is a three-month accelerator and pitch competition offering £100,000 in equity-free prizes to 25 teams across five deep-tech tracks: AI & Robotics, Creative & Consumer, Digital & Finance, Energy & Environment, and Health & Wellbeing. Applications opened April 27, 2026 and close June 14, 2026. The p…

What this grant funds

Equity-free prize competition awarding up to £100,000 across five deep-tech tracks — AI & Robotics, Creative & Consumer, Digital & Finance, Energy & Environment, and Health & Wellbeing — for Imperial-affiliated startup teams.

Key facts
CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.—
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.3 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Prize
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.£100K
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Application process

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Last verified: 24 Jul 2026Source: www.imperialenterpriselab.com