Please note that the SHAPE Catalyst programme is ending in 2026, which means that, at present, there won’t be another funded ARC Accelerate round.

ARC Accelerate, the third stage of the ARC Pathway, is a 6-month accelerator designed to help researchers transform their innovative and ambitious social science, arts and humanities-based ideas into scalable ventures.

Successful applicants will receive up to £62,500, with circa 80% fEC provided by ESRC, in line with its standard funding rules, to fund commercialisation activities and bring new products, processes, services and experiences to market.

ARC Accelerate offers time buyout and requires applicants to commit to a minimum of 3 days per week for the duration of the 6-month training programme. The time commitment can be shared as a team among eligible applicants, i.e. they must have a PhD or similar research or innovation experience and be based at an eligible UK research organisation (see FAQ below).

During the programme, we will spend a lot of time validating the venture idea with customers, stakeholders and partners, together with around 40h of training sessions, additional 1:1 support, check-ins and coursework.

What is included?

• Up to £62,500 to fund commercialisation activities (with circa 80% fEC provided by ESRC, in line with its standard funding rules)
• Additional £3,000 for market validation activities (not part of ESRC award; see FAQ below)
• A tailored programme of support, led by industry experts, to develop key entrepreneurial skills
• Specialised, sector-specific training
• Access to experienced entrepreneurs, investors and networks
• 1:1 pitch practice and coaching
• Dedicated mentors to help you validate your idea, develop the business model and support your pitch for further funding or investment
• Lifelong alumni support and events to network and support the growth of your venture
• The chance to do all of this in a peer group full of like-minded researchers