The Young Entrepreneur Summer Experience

Immersive Entrepreneurial Experiences

• Pitch your business ideas to a group of entrepreneurs.
• Design a business strategy to create a multi-billion dollar company, with coaching and feedback from top entrepreneurs at every step.
• Create a bespoke sales and marketing campaign, informed by consumer psychology.
• Collaborate with software engineers to develop your own pioneering FinTech app.

Gain a Qualification and UCAS Points

• Gain first-hand experience to include in university and job applications, demonstrating passion, commitment and potential for success in business.
• Have your work assessed to receive a Level 3 Award in Work Experience and Career Planning, worth 8 UCAS points.
• Complete the online assessment after the programme to receive a personalised certificate and industry reference letter.

Meet Senior Entrepreneurs

• Be guided through immersive experiences by entrepreneurs from innovative start-ups in consumer goods, fintech, human capital and more.
• Attend private networking sessions with these professionals, who may become valuable contacts for your future career.

Career Coaching

• Receive coaching on how to secure competitive roles in entrepreneurship and business.
• Get advice on subject choices, university applications, work experience and extra-curricular activities.

World-Class Universities and People

• Experience life at University College London (UCL), one of the world’s leading universities.
• Meet ambitious students from across the globe and build a valuable international network.

Design Your Own Summer Experience

• Choose from the following programme formats:
  • First Week Only (taster experience)
  • Two-Week Experience (full programme)
  • Two-Week Premium Experience (both weeks plus enhanced benefits)
• Accommodation options include residential or non-residential.
• Residential students stay in UCL halls in central London, with meals, guardianship and evening/weekend social activities.
• Optional airport transfers are available at checkout.

Week 1

The Entrepreneurial Mindset

• Explore the qualities of leading entrepreneurs
• Develop creativity, innovation and leadership skills
• Learn how to shape your personal journey as a business leader

Strategies for Success

• Compete in team challenges to build a business model
• Analyse competitors and define your unique selling point
• Work with industry experts to assess risk and reward in strategic decisions

The Fundamentals of Finance

• Understand cost, revenue and profit to plan financial strategies
• Learn how start-ups raise capital
• Create and present a crowdfunding campaign

Pitching like a Pro

• Attend a public speaking and communication masterclass
• Learn how to deliver confident pitches under pressure
• Understand what investors look for in a business proposal

Build Your Start-Up

• Develop and structure your own business idea
• Compete to prepare the strongest pitch for the Den
• Receive personalised guidance from experienced entrepreneurs

Enter the Den

• Pitch your business to CEOs and founders
• Receive tailored feedback on your presentation and strategy

Networking

• Join a private networking session with top entrepreneurs
• Ask questions during a live Q&A panel
• Gain practical advice from industry professionals

Week 2

Product Development

• Learn the key stages of product design
• Explore design concepts and development techniques
• Create a prototype using 3D modelling and printing tools

Social Media Campaigns & Packaging

• Use psychology to design effective social media marketing
• Create a website and social media presence for your product
• Design impactful packaging to attract customers at the Expo

InvestIN Business Expo

• Showcase your product to peers and industry professionals
• Practise persuasive sales techniques
• Compete for the “Best New Product in the Market” award

The Fintech Forum

• Attend talks from professionals in the fintech sector
• Collaborate on a fintech assignment with assigned roles
• Present your project at a professional Fintech Fair with expert feedback

Graduation & Certification

• Celebrate your achievements
• Receive an industry reference letter outlining your accomplishments

Immersive Experiences 2-Week Premium

Overview

• Includes all Week 1 and Week 2 activities plus 15 extra hours with professionals
• Develop a professional portfolio and career toolkit
• Includes Level 3 Work Experience Award assessment and UCAS points

Highlights

• Attend masterclasses on CVs, LinkedIn, branding and elite university applications
• Complete psychometric testing and personality profiling
• Take part in a strategy challenge and attend a private Gala dinner in London

Dates
This summer school has three intakes: 6th July, 27th July or 17th August 2026.

Venues
The programme is based at UCL and the surrounding University of London campus. Certain days take place in other key industry locations in London.

Accommodation
Students live on university campus in central London and are allocated to halls of residence used by University of London students, including those from UCL and LSE. We typically occupy a range of halls, including Garden Halls, College Hall, International Hall and Frances Gardner House.

All rooms are single and en-suite.