Accelerator Programme
How to Apply to UCL EdTech Labs: Application Guide
By UCL EdTech Labs · Published · 6 min read
Applying to UCL EdTech Labs involves a four-step online application covering your company, founding team, product, and evidence base. Applications are assessed against three standing criteria: traction or a testable prototype or research foundation, a research mindset with responsible development, and team capacity to execute during the programme. Any criteria specific to a particular call are published with that call.
What does the application involve?
The application is a multi-step online form on this site (available at ucledtechlabs.com/apply when a call is open). Expect to provide:
- Company basics — name, website, location, and stage
- Founder and team details
- Your EdTech domain and a product description
- Traction indicators such as users, pilots, or revenue
- Research evidence supporting your approach, with optional file uploads
- A pitch deck, if you have one
You can save a draft and return to it, and the form is designed to meet WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards.
What are the selection criteria?
The selection panel assesses three things:
- Traction, testable prototype, or research foundation. You have early users, a working prototype, or solid research backing your approach. Exceptions are possible but require a strong case.
- Research mindset and responsible development. You're committed to evidence-based development and to ethical considerations around privacy, bias, and educational impact.
- Team capacity to execute. You have the technical skills and time commitment to make meaningful progress during the programme.
How can I make my application stronger?
- Be specific about the learning problem. Applications that name a precise learner group and a measurable problem stand out over generic "education is broken" framing.
- Show your evidence, however early. A small pilot, structured user interviews, or relevant published research all count. The programme exists to strengthen your evidence — you don't need a finished efficacy study. See how to run an EdTech pilot.
- Explain why AI is core, not cosmetic. Describe what your product could not do without AI, and how you handle the risks — our guide to responsible AI in education covers what reviewers care about.
- Be honest about team bandwidth. The programme is immersive; panels favour teams that can commit the time over teams with impressive CVs but no availability.
What happens after I apply?
Applications are reviewed after the call closes, and selected startups are invited to join the cohort starting the following month — for the Autumn 2025 cohort, applications closed 19 September and the programme kicked off in October. The programme then runs for around four months; see how the accelerator programme works for the stage-by-stage breakdown.
What if applications are closed right now?
Register your interest and you'll be contacted when the next call opens. If you have questions in the meantime, contact the team or check the FAQ.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
When do applications open?
Applications open when a new cohort is announced. For the Autumn 2025 London programme, the call ran from 1 to 19 September 2025. Register interest on the homepage to be notified when the next call opens.
Can I save my application and finish it later?
Yes. The application form supports saving a draft, so you can return and complete it before the deadline.
Do I need existing revenue to apply?
No. The selection panel looks for traction, a testable prototype, or a solid research foundation — revenue is one form of traction but not a requirement.