Banco Santander Open Innovation | University of Portsmouth Startup funding 2026

Working in Partnership with Santander Universities, the University of Portsmouth's Student StartUp team is inviting applications for their startup grants.

This initiative is designed to support current UoP students & recent graduates (of the last 5 years) with equity‑free seed funding to help their UK‑based companies grow and transform.

Please read full eligibility criteria and a full breakdown of requirements on the Student StartUp website.

We have £15,000 available, allocated as 3 x £5,000 grants.

This funding is a grant, meaning you don't pay the money back. 

Applicants must have progressed beyond the initial idea stage and be actively developing their venture—this could include early validation, prototyping, or a clear plan for next steps.

You will not need to pay the money back, but you should be able to demonstrate the return on investment through your business development and progress.

The deadline for applications is 23:59 GMT, Sunday 12 April 2026.

We will notify you by Friday 17 April 2026 of the outcome of your application. If successful at this stage you will be invited to pitch your idea in person during the week commencing 4 May 2026.

Business eligibility criteria: 

1 - The business must be incorporated and registered as a UK company* or have registered for self-assessment for sole traders.

NB: Named individual(s) applying can be resident in a different country as long as the business is incorporated in the UK. However, applicants holding a student visa are not permitted to apply under this condition.

2 - In addition to the above, businesses must also meet 1 or more of the following criteria:

• Be able to demonstrate demand for the product/service
• Be at MVP (minimal viable product) stage or beyond
• Be actively trading

Some top tips when completing your application:

• Assume no one else knows about your idea, explain it in a clear and concise way
• Be creative, think about adding a video to explain your idea, add a link to your website or portfolio, if you have drawings of your concept - share them with us. Anything that helps us understand your idea is always welcomed. At the same time don't worry if you haven't got anything extra to add - just make sure your overview is really clear.
• Impact is key, so explain how the funding will help - how will it make a difference?
• Think about what makes you different - we get lots of applications so make yourself stand out
• Any questions ask the team. We can't review your application before you submit but we can answer questions you may have
• Make sure you look at the below selection criteria and have covered these areas clearly in your application

The selection panel will evaluate your application on how clearly you explain:

• the overview of the idea including identifying the problem and solution
• your revenue model (revenue generation) and business costs
• the work you have done so far on the business/idea
• how the funding will be spent
• the impact the funding will have on the business
• the overall feasibility and the potential to be a viable business

All of the above will be scored on a scale 1-5.

Assessment and selection process

The university’s decision on the allocation of the award, in accordance with these terms and conditions, is final. There is no appeal process.

When assessing applications, the university will aim to identify businesses who will benefit the most from the grant. The assessment and selection process is as follows:  

The panel will be looking for:

• evidence of successful trading. If you are not currently trading, you must submit evidence to confirm that you have a minimum viable product (MVP). 
• long-term sustainability and growth potential of your startup/project.
• A clear, itemised breakdown of how the funding will be spent, with accurate costings.

If shortlisted, you will be invited to present a pitch to a small panel.

If you would like to talk to a member of the StartUp team at the University of Portsmouth about your idea or application, book an appointment by emailing studentstartup@port.ac.uk