In this section
Start your journey as a student entrepreneur
Build practical skills to inspire change and lead with impact.
Want to create your own career?
Whether you’ve got a clear idea or just a passion for solving problems, Students as Entrepreneurs is your chance to build something that matters, something that could pay your salary and put you in charge of your future.
This three-part journey supports you from your first idea to launching and growing your own venture. You’ll get the tools, guidance, and confidence to make it happen:
- Ideas Lab – Create ideas that matter to you and the world around you.
- Start-up Lab – Shape your bright idea into a brilliant, workable venture.
- Scale-up Lab – Graduate with your own business and be your own boss.
Think It. Launch It. Scale It.
The Ideas Lab
Creating Ideas that matter
Curious about creating something that matters?
The Ideas Lab is designed for students who want to explore innovation, tackle real-world challenges, and spark ideas that could lead to a start-up or freelance career. You don’t need a business idea to join, just an open mind and a drive to make a difference. Through creative workshops, problem-solving sessions, and expert guidance, you’ll learn how to spot opportunities and turn them into something powerful.
Start with curiosity - apply now and find out where your idea takes you!
Semester 1
Belfast Campus
Derry~Londonderry Campus
(Launching November 2026 - REGISTER to receive updates)
The Start-Up Lab
From bright idea to brilliant business!
Got a game-changing idea but not sure where to start?
This programme is your launchpad. Designed for students with fresh, innovative thinking, we’ll help you shape your idea, test its potential, and get it ready to roll as a real business. Whether it’s a spark of genius or a researched concept, we’ll give you the tools, support, and confidence to take the first big step into start-up life.
Let’s turn your idea into something amazing, apply now for start-up success!
December dates coming soon.
Belfast campus, Derry~Londonderry campus
The Scale-Up Lab
Graduate with your business!
Running a business while completing your final year? We see you.
This programme is designed for student entrepreneurs who are already trading and ready to take the next step. Whether you’re running a business or freelancing, we’ll help you grow, build a sustainable income and get your business graduation-ready, so you can leave campus ready for full-time self-employment. Available all year!
Ready to take your business further? Apply and let’s grow your venture!
Every business is different, so we offer tailored one-to-one appointments with the Employability & Enterprise Consultant or the Ulster University Entrepreneur in Residence.
Sustain & Scale events
- Hear from a keynote speaker on sustaining or growing your business.
- Meet business support partners from across Northern Ireland.
- Explore opportunities to develop your business.
- Build your network over lunch.
Belfast and Derry~Londonderry dates to be announced soon
Who Can Apply?
This programme is open to all Ulster University students who:
- Are keen to explore self-employment but don’t yet have an idea or wish to test a new idea (The Ideas Lab)
- Have a business idea they want to get ready to launch (The Start-Up Lab)
- Are already running a venture and want to grow (The Scale-Up Lab)
What You’ll Gain
- Workshops on design thinking, branding, finance, pitching, and more
- Mentorship from entrepreneurs and industry experts
- Funding advice and access to student entrepreneurship competitions
- Networking with peers, alumni, and professionals
- CV-enhancing experience that sets you apart
Let’s Talk
Got questions or want to chat through your idea? Reach out to the team at graduatefutures@ulster.ac.uk
