Accelerator Programme
UCL EdTech Labs Programmes: London, Paris, Toronto, and Dubai
By UCL EdTech Labs · Published · 4 min read
UCL EdTech Labs runs accelerator programmes in four cities: London (7 cohorts), Paris (6 cohorts), Toronto (1 cohort), and Dubai (1 cohort). All programmes share the same evidence-driven methodology, adapted to each local education ecosystem.
London — the flagship programme
London is home to UCL EdTech Labs' flagship programme, run at University College London with seven cohorts delivered to date. See the London programme for how it runs now. The most recent edition, the Autumn 2025 cohort, focused on AI-first education startups and ran from October to January, finishing during BETT week, the world's largest education technology exhibition, held in London each January. Founders work directly with UCL Institute of Education academics.
Paris — the European programme
UCL EdTech Labs has delivered six cohorts in Paris, working with French partners to support startups in the French and wider European EdTech ecosystems. Portfolio companies from the Paris programmes include Vittascience. See the Paris programme page for current details.
Toronto — North America
One cohort has been delivered in Toronto, extending the programme's methodology to Canadian EdTech startups. Canadian portfolio companies include KnowledgeHook and Spendsafe.
Dubai — the Middle East
One cohort has been delivered in Dubai with ReimaginED Collective, a venture studio supporting startups ready to scale into the MENA region.
Is the programme the same in every city?
The core is identical everywhere: the evidence-driven curriculum described in our methodology guide, covering vision and mission, business modelling, research methods and ethics, sustainable funding, and pitching. What changes is the local network — partners, mentors, and investors are drawn from each city's ecosystem, so startups build relationships in the market they're growing in.
Which programme should I apply to?
Apply to the programme in the market where you want to grow. If you're unsure, contact the team — and read the application guide to understand the selection criteria, which are consistent across locations.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Which cities has UCL EdTech Labs run programmes in?
UCL EdTech Labs has run 7 cohorts in London, 6 in Paris, 1 in Toronto, and 1 in Dubai — 15 cohorts in total.
Do I have to be based in the UK to join?
No. Cohorts have included startups from many countries, and recent London programmes run in a hybrid format that combines in-person sessions with remote delivery.