The startup scene in United Kingdom

Exeter Innovation reports 26 University of Exeter spinouts since 2011 and cites Beauhurst’s 2023 report for the University’s UK top-20 position. These are publisher-reported figures. (Exeter Innovation)

Exeter Innovation Accelerator supports early-stage, knowledge-intensive startups and small and medium-sized enterprises with scalable innovations through three six-week modules. Exeter Innovation says it accepts rolling applications for three annual intakes and publishes fees of £1,000 plus VAT for Modules 1 and 2, £1,400 plus VAT for the full program, and £600 plus VAT for the Module 3 fast track. The publisher says fees are covered for University academics, students and alumni, and current Science Park residents; current availability is not established here. (Exeter Innovation)

Exeter Innovation reports that its Accelerator supported more than 150 businesses during 2020–2026, whose reported results included more than £7.5 million in grants and more than £40 million in investment raised. Exeter Science Park describes its site as being on Exeter’s outskirts beside the M5, established in 2013 and opened in 2015. As of April 17, 2025, the park reported more than 45 organizations and about 750 employees, and stated an ambition for 3,500 STEMM professionals by 2035. These are publisher-reported figures and descriptions. (Exeter Innovation; Exeter Science Park)

Exeter Innovation identifies SENISCA as a 2020 spinout from University of Exeter RNA biology research, based at Exeter’s RILD building, and reports more than £7.1 million in private funding and £1.1 million in nondilutive income. The University reported a £1.3 million SENISCA launch investment round in 2021. On September 5, 2025, NIHR Exeter Biomedical Research Centre reported that SENISCA’s University-origin RNA therapy work had a L’Oréal collaboration and NIHR infrastructure support. These are attributed historical reports and do not establish the company’s current status or funding position.

The University portfolio says Tribol Braking was founded in 2022 to make composite brakes for electric vehicles, and Watercress Research spun out of University research in 2019. The University says it relaunched its Alumni Entrepreneurs Network in 2026 and was developing events across Exeter, London and online; it also states that alumni up to two years from graduation are eligible for its Student Startups Incubator. Current event schedules and incubator availability are not established here.