University of Huddersfield Studio Zao
SHAPE Pre-Accelerator Programme 2026

From research insight to a proposition people want

Two full-day, in-person hacks, 1-2-1 coaching and a final showcase. Across them you'll shape your research into a clear commercial or social proposition, test it with real people, and pitch it.

19 Nov Vision & Concept Hack 3 Dec Validation & Commercialisation Hack 9 Dec Showcase 3M Room, 3M Buckley Innovation Centre
Book a 1-2-1 call Complete the questionnaire See the agendas
The programme

What you'll leave with

The programme is for SHAPE academics and researchers at any stage, from people with a research area they're curious about to people with an early idea they want to test. You don't need a business idea to take part. You just need to be open to exploring what your research could do outside the university.

A defined opportunity

A real-world problem your research can address, who it matters to, and a sharp "How might we" question to work from.

A tested proposition

A value proposition and early prototype, with the riskiest assumptions mapped and tested with real users, partners or funders.

A route to market

A clear sense of the right model for you, whether that's consultancy, licensing, grant or KTP-funded R&D, a social venture or a spinout. You'll also know how IP and funding fit in.

A pitch and a plan

A commercially focused pitch delivered at the showcase, and an implementation plan with milestones for after the programme.

"The input sessions provided a range of tools and skills for getting started and growing these projects confidently."

Kate Scott, Director of Research, Business & Innovation, Kingston University, on a Studio Zao knowledge exchange programme with Kingston School of Art.

Participants mapping ideas on sticky notes at a Studio Zao workshop
Key dates

How the programme runs

All in-person sessions take place in the 3M Room at the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre, University of Huddersfield. Please arrive from 9:30. We'll start properly at 10:00.

  1. Tue 3 Nov · 14:00–15:00

    Briefing call

    Online, on Microsoft Teams. Meet the team, hear what to expect, ask questions. Please complete the questionnaire beforehand.

  2. 4–18 Nov

    Intro calls

    Optional 1-2-1 to talk through your research area or early thinking.

  3. Thu 19 Nov · 9:30–16:30

    Vision & Concept Hack

    Shape research into a proposition with a clear problem-solution fit.

  4. 20 Nov–2 Dec

    Coaching calls

    Run your first tests and get 1-2-1 support between hacks.

  5. Thu 3 Dec · 9:30–16:30

    Validation & Commercialisation Hack

    Refine with evidence, choose a route to market, build your pitch.

  6. Wed 9 Dec · 9:00–14:00

    Showcase

    Pitch your proposition, progress and plans. Coaching calls run up to 18 Dec.

Agendas

Session by session

The programme follows six modules across the two hacks, then the showcase. Each module has a short input, then working time on a canvas or two, then a playback. Timings are indicative, and we'll adapt on the day to where the group is.

Kick-off & briefing call

An overview of the programme and the sessions, what to prepare, and time for your questions.

Tue 3 November14:00–15:00 · Microsoft TeamsJoin the call
  1. 14:00

    Welcome & introductions

    The Studio Zao team, the University team, and a quick round of who's in the room.

  2. 14:10

    The programme

    The aims, the two hacks, coaching and the showcase. How we work: practical, problem-led and AI-enhanced.

  3. 14:30

    How to prepare

    What to bring and think about before 19 November, and how to book a 1-2-1. Please complete the pre-programme questionnaire before the call.

  4. 14:40

    Q&A

    Anything about the programme, time commitment, your research or IP.

  5. 15:00

    Close

Hack 1: Vision & Concept

Shape research into a clear commercial proposition with defined problem-solution fit.

Module 1 · Opportunity & Market DefinitionModule 2 · Concept Ideation & Early Proposition DesignModule 3 · Validation Planning & Roadmap
Thu 19 November9:30–16:303M Room, 3M Buckley Innovation Centre
  1. 09:30

    Arrival, coffee & set-up

  2. 10:00

    Welcome & orientation

    Plenary to set goals, outline the support available and explain the day's format. We'll set up your AI assistant and do a quick warm-up.

  3. 10:30

    Visioning & purpose Module 1

    Commercial insights: real SHAPE examples of research turned into products, services and partnerships. Then map your research, expertise and motivation against real-world needs and funding routes on the Venture "Ikigai" canvas, using AI to scan the space.

    Input 15 minWorking time 30 minPlayback 15 min
  4. 11:30

    Break

  5. 11:40

    Problem framing & mapping Module 1

    Frame your opportunity as a "How might we" question and define the customer or user: who feels the problem, when it hits, and what would improve for them. Capture it on a one-page opportunity brief.

    Input 15 minWorking time 25 minPlayback 15 min
  6. 12:35

    Lunch

  7. 13:15

    Concept ideation & proposition design Module 2

    A quick energiser, then rapid, problem-led idea generation stretched with AI. Choose one idea and build it out on a value proposition canvas: who it's for, the value it creates and what makes it different. The Visualisation Station is open for rapid AI mock-ups and prototypes.

    Input 15 minWorking time 45 minPlayback 15 min
  8. 14:35

    Break

  9. 14:45

    Validation planning & roadmap Module 3

    What has to be true for your idea to work (desirability, feasibility, viability), how to rank assumptions by risk and evidence, and what good evidence looks like. Map your assumptions and turn the riskiest into one or two simple experiments on a validation roadmap, with success criteria and what you'll test before Hack 2.

    Input 20 minWorking time 40 min
  10. 15:45

    Roadmap playback & wrap-up

    Each participant shares their idea and validation roadmap in about two minutes. Next steps, homework and booking coaching calls.

    Playback 45 min
  11. 16:30

    Close

You'll leave with

An opportunity brief, one priority idea, a value proposition and a validation roadmap for the next two weeks.

Between hacks

Run one or two quick tests, such as five conversations with potential users or partners. Book a coaching call to talk it through.

Hack 2: Validation & Commercialisation

Test assumptions and refine your commercial model for investment and partnership.

Module 4 · Market Testing & Proposition RefinementModule 5 · IP, Business Model & Go-to-Market StrategyModule 6 · Pitching & Implementation Plan
Thu 3 December9:30–16:303M Room, 3M Buckley Innovation Centre
  1. 09:30

    Arrival, coffee & set-up

  2. 10:00

    Welcome, recap & warm-up

    Where everyone's got to since Hack 1, the goals for today, and the brief for the showcase.

  3. 10:20

    Market testing & proposition refinement Module 4

    Share what you've tested and learned in small groups. Look at what good evidence looks like, moving from opinions to sign-ups to real commitments, and how to read your results. Update your assumptions, value proposition and commercial narrative.

    Input 15 minWorking time 20 minPlayback 20 min
  4. 11:15

    Break

  5. 11:25

    IP, business models & routes to market Module 5

    How each route works and how to test it cheaply: consultancy and services, licensing, grant and KTP-funded R&D, social ventures and spinouts. What IP looks like in SHAPE work and the University's pathway, from an Innovation Disclosure Statement to IAA funding. Then choose the model or models that fit you and sketch them on a route-to-market canvas, with facilitators working alongside each participant.

    Input 30 minWorking time 35 min

    Focus areas covered in plenary, then in 1-2-1 support:

    CommercialisationMarket fit and investment readiness
    Funding applicationsMatching to live calls and building evidence
    PartnershipsIndustry collaborations, KTPs and connections
    Proposition testingDemand tests and customer discovery
    IP & spinoutsManaging and commercialising IP
  6. 12:30

    Lunch

  7. 13:15

    Collaborative sprint Module 4 Module 5

    Structured working time to move your project forward, with facilitator support tailored to your chosen route. Mock up a landing page or prototype, draft outreach to users or partners, outline a funding application, or plan a partnership approach.

    Working time 75 min
  8. 14:30

    Break

  9. 14:40

    Building your pitch Module 6

    The structure of a commercially focused pitch, and how it differs from presenting your research. Build a first draft with AI support.

    Input 15 minWorking time 30 min
  10. 15:25

    Pitching practice Module 6

    Mock pitches in two groups of four, with feedback from peers and facilitators, to sharpen your narrative before the showcase.

    Playback 30 min
  11. 15:55

    Implementation plan & wrap-up Module 6

    Milestones, risks and the support you'll need after the programme, on an implementation plan canvas. How to get ready for the showcase, and coaching calls before 9 December.

    Working time 20 minPlayback 15 min
  12. 16:30

    Close

You'll leave with

Updated evidence and value proposition, a chosen route to market, a draft pitch and a post-programme plan.

Before the showcase

Refine your pitch, gather one more piece of evidence if you can, and book a call to rehearse.

Showcase

Pitch your commercial proposition, your progress and your plans. Share what you've learned from validation, and get constructive feedback from peers, facilitators and the University.

Wed 9 December9:00–14:003M Room, 3M Buckley Innovation Centre
  1. 09:00

    Arrival & tech check

    Load your slides or set up your demo.

  2. 09:20

    Welcome & programme overview

    Studio Zao and the University introduce the programme and the cohort, and explain how the feedback will work.

  3. 09:35

    Pitches: first group

    Four slots of around 18 minutes. Each one is a 10-minute pitch followed by breakout feedback, where the audience responds to set prompts in small groups instead of a live Q&A.

  4. 10:50

    Break

  5. 11:05

    Pitches: second group

    Four more slots in the same format.

  6. 12:20

    Lunch & networking

  7. 13:05

    Feedback & reflections

    Each presenter gets their written feedback. We draw out common themes, remaining risks and next milestones, and signpost University support.

  8. 13:40

    Closing remarks & what next

  9. 14:00

    Close

Your pitch (about 10 minutes)

  1. The opportunity and the problem
  2. Who it's for and why it matters to them
  3. Your solution and the value it creates
  4. Evidence so far: what you tested and learned
  5. Your route to market and model
  6. What you need: partners, funding, time or support
  7. Next steps and milestones

Breakout feedback prompts

What is the strongest part of this proposition?
What is the riskiest assumption still to test?
Who should they speak to next?
What one change would make the pitch more compelling?
1-2-1 coaching

Book time with us

Coaching calls run as office hours, and you decide how to use them. You can refine an idea, design an experiment, practise your pitch, get signposted to funding, or catch up on part of a session you missed. We'd encourage everyone to book at least one call between each stage.

  • 4–18 Nov
    After the briefing callTalk through your research area or early thinking before Hack 1.
  • 20 Nov–2 Dec
    Between the hacksPlan and interpret your first tests, unblock challenges.
  • 4–8 Dec
    Before the showcaseRehearse your pitch and tighten your story.
  • 10–18 Dec
    After the showcaseNext steps, funding and keeping momentum.

Book a call

Pick any open slot between 4 November and 18 December. Calls are online.

Questions? Email Milo: milo@studiozao.com
Before 19 November

How to prepare

There's no heavy pre-work. These few things will help you get the most out of the first hack.

  • Join the briefing call

    Tuesday 3 November, 14:00–15:00 on Teams. The invite is in your calendar.

  • Think about your research

    Bring one or two research areas, projects or areas of expertise you'd like to explore. You don't need an idea yet.

  • Set up an AI assistant

    A free Claude or ChatGPT account, or whichever AI tool you have access to through the University. Avoid pasting unpublished or sensitive research into public tools.

  • Bring your laptop

    We'll work on laptops for much of the day, alongside canvases, flipcharts and sticky notes.

  • Book an intro call

    Optional, but useful if you'd like to talk through your thinking first. Book a slot.

  • Complete the questionnaire

    A five-minute form about your background, goals and any ideas, so we can tailor the sessions. Please fill it in before the briefing call. Open the questionnaire.

Your facilitators

The Studio Zao team

Studio Zao is a venture studio and innovation consultancy. We work with universities, public bodies and global brands to turn ideas into validated, real-world outcomes. We've supported more than 15 academic and scientific organisations, including Kingston School of Art, Wellcome Genome Campus, UCL and LSE.

Chris Baker

Director · Lead facilitator

Chris has more than 10 years' experience as an innovation programme leader, practitioner and transformation consultant. He has supported hundreds of academics, entrepreneurs and business owners to shape and refine their commercial offers. Clients include Kingston School of Art, Sport England, Pfizer, the NHS, Tamworth and Torbay councils, and Transport for London. Chris is also an Expert-in-Residence at Imperial's Business Hub.

Milo Rees Roberts

Senior Consultant · Facilitator

Milo designs and delivers knowledge exchange, innovation and capacity-building programmes, for clients including Kingston School of Art, Philip Morris International, Torbay Council and Croydon Council. He has led Studio Zao's knowledge exchange programme with Kingston School of Art, incubating early-stage propositions across 12+ faculty members. He also leads Impact Tamworth, which helps ambitious SMEs secure investment. Milo teaches on a master's programme at Sciences Po's Paris School of International Affairs.

After Hack 1, depending on your ideas and what you need, we'll bring in relevant subject-matter experts from our network for targeted coaching.

Funding & support

Live opportunities

A shortlist of funding and support that is open now or opening soon and is relevant to SHAPE researchers. We'll go through fit and eligibility in the funding station at Hack 2 and in coaching calls.

Status checked 26 October 2026 on each funder's own page. Always confirm details before applying.

Huddersfield Impact Acceleration Account funds

University of Huddersfield IAA (AHRC, ESRC, EPSRC)

Four responsive funds: Impact, Proof of Market (early market validation), External Engagement (workshops and partnerships) and Rapid Response. The work must fit AHRC, ESRC or EPSRC themes. AHRC and EPSRC-funded activity must finish by 28 February 2027. Contact innovation@hud.ac.uk.

£5k–£10kImpact £10k · Rapid Response £9k · Proof of Market £5k · External Engagement £5k
Open · responsive

AHRC Proof of Concept (UKRI Translation)

Arts and Humanities Research Council

Funds knowledge exchange, commercialisation and venture building from arts and humanities research, including licensing, spinouts and social ventures. The work must build on AHRC or UKRI-funded research, or on AHRC IAA support.

Up to £150kFull economic cost, AHRC pays 80%
Open · no closing date

ICURe Discover, January 2027 cohort

Innovate UK, delivered by SETsquared

A 10-week, part-time online market discovery programme (20 Jan–18 Mar 2027) for university researchers in any discipline. It is the route into ICURe Explore, which offers up to £35k. You'll need support from your commercialisation contact.

Up to £2.5kFor market discovery activity
Closes 17 Dec 2026

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, Round 4

Innovate UK

Partner with a UK business on a project of up to 24 months, with the University as the knowledge base. Creative industries is a priority sector. How KTPs work at Huddersfield.

67% of costsCovered for SMEs (50% for large firms)
Closes 27 Jan 2027

UnLtd Starting Up and Scaling Up awards

UnLtd

Funding and support for social entrepreneurs starting or growing a social venture. The current round is full, and the next one opens in January. Use the eligibility checker first.

Up to £8k / £18kStarting Up / Scaling Up
Opens 6 Jan 2027Closes 1 Mar 2027

EIT Culture & Creativity: New Ventures in Creative Tech

EIT Culture & Creativity

A narrow fit: a 9-month incubation for tech-centred concepts in fashion or architecture that are already being tested. You'd need to register a company by month 3.

Up to €30kPer venture
Closes 16 Nov 2026

Regional business support

West Yorkshire Business Growth Hub

West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Free start-up and innovation support, advice and events across Kirklees and the rest of West Yorkshire.

FreeAdvice & events
Ongoing

Business Kirklees

Kirklees Council

Free advice for pre-start and young businesses, including mentoring, business planning and signposting to funding.

Free1-2-1 support
Ongoing
Inspiration

SHAPE research, out in the world

Arts, humanities and social science research becomes impact through many routes, not only spinouts. These examples show some of them. For more, see Bristol's social ventures portfolio.

Bristol · English & palliative care

Good Grief

Festivals, courses and a library of more than 250 talks that create space to talk about death and bereavement.

Spinout CIC
Bristol · Theatre

Future Places Toolkit

Combines performance-based facilitation with immersive technology to reimagine planning consultations.

Limited company
Bristol · Education & arts

Tabletop Travels

Artist-curated sensory boxes that bring cultural journeys to isolated older adults. Sales fund free boxes through community partners.

Social venture
Manchester · Applied theatre

In Place of War

Began as an AHRC-funded research project and grew into a global organisation supporting grassroots arts groups in places of conflict.

Spinout charity
York · English

York Centre for Print

A research letterpress studio that became a public print studio, gallery and shop in the city centre, part-funded by crowdfunding.

Public venture
Derby · Arts & design

S.H.E.D (Designing Dialogue CIC)

An early-career researcher's participatory design project, spun out as a CIC, that has reached more than 20,000 people.

Spinout CIC
Oxford · International development

sOPHIa Oxford

Oxford's first social-enterprise spinout. It licenses a business poverty measurement tool, and a commercial company was later launched alongside it.

Licensing
Kingston · Illustration & animation

Get Better Books

Illustrated, interactive children's books that reduce anxiety about medical procedures, now used in UK hospitals. Developed through our programme at Kingston School of Art.

Social impact venture
Resources

Huddersfield links & session materials

University support you can use during and after the programme. Slides, canvases and AI prompt guides from each session will be added here afterwards.

Session materials

Briefing callSlides available after 3 Nov
Hack 1: Vision & ConceptSlides, canvases and prompts after 19 Nov
Hack 2: Validation & CommercialisationSlides, canvases and pitch template after 3 Dec
ShowcaseFeedback summary after 9 Dec
FAQs

Common questions

Do I need a business idea to take part?

No. Many people start with a research area, a skill or a hunch. Hack 1 is designed to take you from there to a defined opportunity and one idea worth testing.

Is this only about starting a company?

No. Spinouts are one route among several. Others include consultancy and services, licensing, partnerships and KTPs, grant-funded pilots and social ventures. We'll help you find what fits your research and your ambitions.

How much time will it take?

Two full days in person, a half-day showcase, and whatever you choose to put in between. We suggest a couple of hours between sessions to run simple tests, plus a coaching call or two.

Do I need to be good with AI tools?

No. We use AI to speed up research, idea generation and prototyping, and we'll show you how. Any tool works: Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot or whatever you have access to.

What about my IP?

We'll cover what IP looks like in SHAPE work and how the University's process works at Hack 2. If you think you have something to protect, the University's Innovation Disclosure Statement is the place to start.

I'm taking part as part of a funding or impact requirement. Can you help?

Yes. Tell us in the pre-programme questionnaire or on a call, and we'll make sure you get the evidence of participation you need.

What if I miss part of a session?

Book a coaching call and we'll catch you up. Session materials will also be posted here.