How to apply
We aren't looking for finished founders.
We're looking for people with the potential to become exceptional ones.
Cohort 1 applications are now open.
You don’t need a startup idea, a company or previous entrepreneurial experience. We are much more interested in how you think, what you’ve achieved and what you might be capable of when given a serious opportunity.
Eligibility
Who can apply?
You should be currently studying at university and be able to commit at least 20 hours a week to your venture alongside your studies.
You can apply individually or with an existing team.
We actively encourage individual applications because we will form the final teams ourselves during induction.
Criteria
What are we looking for?
There isn’t a particular degree, university or background that we’re looking for. We’re interested in people who have demonstrated exceptional ability in some part of their lives and who have the potential to transfer that ability into building a company.
That could be academic achievement, building something independently, leading a team, solving difficult problems, achieving something unusual or simply demonstrating an unusual level of initiative and drive.
We’re looking for evidence rather than a particular CV.
Mindset
We're looking for ambitious thinkers.
The ventures Sky High develops are intended to have the potential to become £100m+ turnover companies.
We are therefore not simply asking whether you think you could run a successful small business. We want to know whether you can look at an opportunity and imagine what it could become at significant scale.
You won’t be expected to have all the answers.
We are looking for people who want to build significant companies, not simply successful side projects.
Process
The selection process.
- 01
Application
An application designed to help us understand who you are, what you've achieved and why you want to build a company.
- 02
Assessment & interview
Shortlisted applicants go through a further assessment process, including an interview. We're interested in how you think, not perfect answers.
- 03
Induction
Successful applicants are brought together for induction, where we form the founding teams and introduce the opportunities.
You don’t have to convince us that you’re already a founder. You have to convince us that you could become an exceptional one.
Prepare your application
Review every question before you go online.
Use the question preview to plan your evidence, check the word limits and prepare your video submission before completing the online form.
Application question preview
10-page PDF
This preparation copy includes all application sections, questions, evidence prompts, word limits and the applicant declaration.
For preparation only. Submit your final answers through the online application form.
Key dates
Plan for the programme before you apply.
Cohort 1 founders will be expected to attend the scheduled face-to-face events in Birmingham and take part in the online programme sessions.
Application deadline
Sunday 25 October 2026
Applications close at 12 noon (UK time).
Birmingham events
Wednesday 4 & 11 November 2026
The first two events are face to face in Birmingham.
Online sessions & final
Every other Wednesday
Sessions after 11 November are online. The final face-to-face event in Birmingham is Wednesday 21 April 2027.
Twenty hours a week is the minimum expectation, on top of university.
There will be periods when the venture needs more of you. Building a company requires flexibility and resilience, particularly when you’re working alongside a degree.
Please check that you can meet the time and attendance commitments before applying.
Cohort 1 applications are now open.
Applications close at 12 noon (UK time) on Sunday 25 October 2026.