The University of Manchester’s biggest startup competition is back, and applications for the Venture Further Awards 2026 are now open. Hosted by the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre, the awards offer more than £200,000 in equity-free funding, plus over £150,000 in software and tech perks to help founders launch and grow their ventures.
Open to students and alumni, Venture Further is designed to support ambitious entrepreneurs at every stage, from freelancers and creatives to researchers and high-growth startups. Applicants can choose from four specialist tracks, each tailored to different types of ventures.
- The Freelancing Track celebrates solo founders, consultants and creatives building careers around their own skills and services, with prizes of up to £4,000.
- The Social Impact Track is for ventures creating positive change through people, planet and profit. Whether your business focuses on sustainability, community solutions or large-scale social transformation, awards range from £5,000 to £20,000.
- The Research-Led Disruption Track supports PhDs, postgraduates and researchers commercialising breakthrough ideas in science, engineering and advanced materials. With prizes of up to £45,000, it is ideal for deep-tech ventures ready to make real-world impact.
- The Startup Track is for founders building scalable products, digital platforms or consumer brands. From apps and SaaS businesses to innovative physical products, this category offers awards of up to £35,000.
The competition concludes with the Grand Finale on 16 June 2026, where finalists will pitch live to a panel of expert judges, investors and industry leaders. The day will finish with an evening awards ceremony at Whitworth Hall, celebrating the city’s brightest entrepreneurial talent.
If you have an idea worth submitting, this is your chance to gain funding, exposure and expert support.
Applications close at midnight on Monday 4 May 2026.