Launchpad is where entrepreneurial hustle meets academic muscle

Through this innovative programme, we're creating a new generation of globally impactful startups in Cornwall. Far more than a master's or venture studio alone, it's an ambitious real-world environment for entrepreneurial success. Candidates develop ideas with the support of our resident Entrepreneurs in Residence, mentors and partners to create a viable startup that can go the distance.

And why do we do this? It's our aim to support economic growth in the region, with targets to deliver new jobs, new businesses and new market products. Launchpad startups remain headquartered in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly for at least five years after incorporation, meaning the skills, talent, investments and opportunity stay right here.

Together, we're driving Cornwall's economy by building successful businesses we can all be proud of. 

Apply to Launchpad

Partners

Launchpad startups are created in partnership with leading companies. This helps us to focus these next-generation minds where they're needed most, with a clear route to market.

For our partners, it's a unique chance to access world-class talent and innovation.

How it works

Become a partner

Launchpad students standing by banister talking
Launchpad hub 7

Why Cornwall?

Business in Cornwall

Cornwall has long been known for its creativity, but today it's also home to a thriving tech cluster.

Here, there's a community of successful entrepreneurs, who aren't afraid to dream big and do things differently. Pioneers in technology, renewable energy, aerospace and digital industries have chosen a base in Cornwall. And with superfast connections, local talent, and the infrastructure for growth, their number is only increasing.

on a cliff top overlooking the beach and sea
porthcurno seascape

Living in Cornwall

In Cornwall, optimum work-life balance isn't the dream; it's a reality. Yes, we work hard (it's not all meetings on the beach), but when downtime rolls around, there's plenty to help you decompress.

Based in one of the best broadband-connected regions in the UK, you'll find a huge network of creative businesses alongside a thriving tech community. Add in a breath taking outdoor environment, and there's no better place to build a startup.

Living locally, you'll find everything from a rich mix of restaurants and cafes to a buzzing events calendar. We've got galleries, museums, music and culture by the score, as well as ground-breaking independent theatre.

As one of Cornwall's most vibrant hubs, Falmouth is well connected. Buses, trains and even boats stop by here. There's a thriving postgraduate community, on-campus nurseries, and excellent local schools. And if you need any help, our support services are all on hand.

Helpful information

on a cliff top overlooking the beach and sea
porthcurno seascape

Living in Cornwall

Located on the UK's southwestern edge, Cornwall has long inspired creative minds. Explore it here.

Living in Cornwall
MA Graphic Design students chatting around a table
Postgraduate students around a desk

Postgraduate Community

A like-minded community equipped to impact the creative industries. Explore our postgraduate communi...

Postgraduate Community
Glasney Student Village Exterior
Glasney_5

Postgraduate Accommodation

If you're studying an on-campus master's programme you'll have a range of university accommodation o...

Postgraduate Accommodation
Techstars Startup Weekend logo
Techstars Startup Weekend logo black - Launchpad

Calling all entrepreneurs, creatives and business minds

26 August 2022

Following the huge success of our Techstars Startup Weekend in May, we’re thrilled to be hosting a...

Calling all entrepreneurs, creatives and business minds
Fin and Lizbeth from The Good Robot Company
Fin and Lizbeth in Launchpad

Innovative student start-up on a mission to tackle AI bias

15 August 2022

New start-up, The Good Robot Company, showcased its next-generation bias detection software for arti...

Innovative student start-up on a mission to tackle AI bias
Michael Calver from Launchpad start-up Amutri
Launchpad Portugal trip

International exposure for Cornish start-ups

13 July 2022

Launchpad start-ups Amutri and Beta100, along with MSc Entrepreneurship student and The Sustain Abil...

International exposure for Cornish start-ups
Mike Robinson
Mike Robinson Startup Awards Launchpad

Now & Then scoops start-up award at south west finals

07 July 2022

Launchpad start-up Now & Then has been named as the Tourism and Leisure Start-up of the Year at ...

Now & Then scoops start-up award at south west finals
Launchpad Start-up Academy
Launchpad Start-up Academy 2022

Launchpad Start-up Academy supporting budding entrepreneurs

05 July 2022

Launchpad is supporting six entrepreneurs to develop their business ideas as part of its inaugural S...

Launchpad Start-up Academy supporting budding entrepreneurs
Audience at pitch in the pad
Pitch in the pad - Launchpad

Workshop aimed at helping Cornish businesses grow

01 June 2022

Launchpad is running a fully funded practical workshop designed to equip early stage incorporated co...

Workshop aimed at helping Cornish businesses grow
(l-r) Hamish McAlpine, Natalie and Corin from Kevri and Falmouth University's Robin Kirby
Hamish McAlpine, Kevri and Robin Kirby

Female-founded start-up launches new Knowledge Exchange software

01 June 2022

Launchpad start-up KEVRI is set to disrupt the higher education landscape by launching its new Knowl...

Female-founded start-up launches new Knowledge Exchange software
Christopher Weavill, CEO of Hertzian
Christopher Weavill - Launchpad

Cornwall’s leading AI company puts a new CEO at the helm for its growth phase

27 May 2022

Hertzian, which was established in Launchpad, has announced that Christopher Weavill will succeed Ga...

Cornwall’s leading AI company puts a new CEO at the helm for its growth phase
Techstars Startup Weekend Penryn participants
Techstars Startup Weekend Penryn Launchpad

Cornwall’s first startup event creates seven new business opportunities!

25 May 2022

Local entrepreneurs, creatives, developers, and business experts joined forces this weekend (Fri 20 ...

Cornwall’s first startup event creates seven new business opportunities!
Roger Osorio
Roger Osorio - Launchpad

International reinvention expert, author, and coach to speak at Launchpad

12 May 2022

Hear from international reinvention expert, author, coach, and University of Pennsylvania and Sarah ...

International reinvention expert, author, and coach to speak at Launchpad
Techstars Startup Weekend Penryn logo
Techstars Startup Weekend Penryn

Renowned global startup event comes to Cornwall

09 May 2022

We're delighted to be hosting Cornwall’s first Techstars Startup Weekend in the Launchpad Venture ...

Renowned global startup event comes to Cornwall
Launchpad studio
Launchpad studio

Launchpad companies shortlisted for Startup Awards National Series

05 April 2022

Three Launchpad start-ups have been named amongst the most exciting new businesses in the region aft...

Launchpad companies shortlisted for Startup Awards National Series
Mentor sessions at Techstars Startup Weekend Plymouth
Mentor sessions at Techstars Startup Weekend Plymouth

Falmouth team win at Techstars Start-up Weekend Plymouth

16 March 2022

Launchpad associates came out top this weekend (11-13 March) at a Techstars start-up event in Plymou...

Falmouth team win at Techstars Start-up Weekend Plymouth
Launchpad start-up Hungry Billy
Hungry Billy - Launchpad start-up

Successful pivot for early-stage start-up

04 March 2022

A Launchpad start-up has recently pivoted the business - gaining clients and revenue. Hungry Bill...

Successful pivot for early-stage start-up
Launchpad start-up Codices
Codices Launchpad

Codices raise sees start-up's value rocket to £8.7m

18 February 2022

Launchpad start-up Codices has seen its value balloon to almost £9m, following a recent investment ...

Codices raise sees start-up's value rocket to £8.7m
Poster of Stuffed game
Poster of Stuffed game Launchpad

Penryn-based game studio launch debut title

02 December 2021

Waving Bear Studio, an indie games start-up from Falmouth University's Venture Studio, Launchpad has...

Penryn-based game studio launch debut title