Supporting social ventures

ImpactU is a collective of UK universities working collaboratively to support and raise awareness of mission-driven businesses emerging from our ecosystems.

We provide training to UK universities and pre-seed investment into social ventures affiliated to English universities.

Bringing change
to people, places and the planet
by accelerating impact-led projects

Each member university of ImpactU is passionate about delivering positive impact from innovative solutions focusing on health, wellbeing, society and the environment. Our projects emerge from research, student activities, accelerators, and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Our ImpactU training, led by LSE, provides information and resources to mission-driven founders (and the university staff supporting them) from any UK university.

Our ImpactU Pathfinder awards invest up to £40k into pre-seed social ventures to accelerate them towards revenue or further investment.

Lead Partner Universities

Member Universities

Anglia Ruskin University
Aston University
Birmingham City University
Brunel University of London
Cardiff University
Cranfield University
Durham University
Henley Business School
Heriot-Watt University
Imperial College London
Keele University
Kings College London
Kingston University
Lancaster University
Loughborough University
Manchester Metropolitan University
Norwich University of the Arts
The Open University
University of East Anglia

University of Bath
University of Birmingham
University of Bristol
University of Buckingham
University of Essex
University of Exeter
University of Glasgow
University of Greenwich
University of Leicester
University of Liverpool
University of Manchester
University of Nottingham
University of Plymouth
University of Reading
University of Southampton
University of Surrey
University of Warwick
University of York
Royal College of Art

Universities: Why become a Member of ImpactU?

Access to Training: your staff and students will gain access to specialised training and resources to build social ventures. Equip your community with the tools they need to create meaningful change.
Eligibility for Investment: Only social ventures affiliated to English Member Universities are eligible for the ImpactU Pathfinder Awards.
Discover hidden talent: The designated main contact at your university will receive feedback and guidance for applicants, so you might discover entrepreneurs and start-ups that you weren’t on your radar.

Recent Pathfinder Award Recipients

Pause

University of Warwick

Pause is a digital platform helping individuals with behaviour change and improving their interactions. We’re a small research group with the University of Warwick exploring where best to apply our technology Pause guides parents through evidence-based parenting techniques in challenging moments, as well as helping parents prepare for difficult times and get back to normal afterwards.

Find Care Compare

Kings College London

At Find Care Compare, we are driven by the fundamental belief that you have the right to full information about your health and care service options. Our platform aims to empower you with the information you need to navigate the complex landscape of healthcare services in the UK.

Circular Agriculture Hub

University of Bristol

Here at the Circular Agriculture Hub we intercept fruits and vegetables that don’t make it past the farm gate and provide additional routes for redistribution and value recovery so that no food is wasted. We imagine a system that simultaneously improves farmers’ livelihoods, tackles food waste, and provides access to fresh fruits and vegetables to everyone. We believe that farmers should be at the heart of this system.

News & Events

ImpactU Hub Launch

Offering a comprehensive suite of resources, including over 100 live workshops, 25+ expert-led online courses, and personalised learning paths, the HUB provides unparalleled access to training, events, and networking opportunities – all freely available to ImpactU member Universities on the ImpactU HUB.

ImpactU Kick-Off Training

Calling all UK students and academics! Embark on a journey of social entrepreneurship with our interactive kick off session for a high level overview of social ventures and why you might want to consider starting one.

Social Venture Pathway Published

The Social Venture Pathway is a self-guided programme to help you launch your own social venture. Explore it now.

We are hiring!

We now have a unique opportunity for a dynamic and motivated Investment Associate to join our team at Oxford University Innovation.

ImpactU Connecting Capability Funding

A potent consortium of academic institutions, spearheaded by Oxford University Innovation (OUI), has secured a £1.5m bid titled “Seed Funding, Training, and Support for Social Ventures”, which will fortify and amplify the trajectory of university social ventures.

ImpactU at reSHAPE

A social venture collaboration