Hackstarter
Hackstarter gives inventors at Imperial the ability to make prototypes of their early-stage concepts with financial and hands-on support.
What is Hackstarter?
Hackstarter helps ideas reach early-stage proof of concept. Creators are guided through a structured ten-week design journey at Advanced Hackspace, utilising extensive prototyping and fabrication facilities all under one roof. With the support of “Hack Credit” vouchers and hands-on advice from our resident technical experts, innovators build and test their prototypes.
At the end of the programme, selected teams present their innovations at the Event Final (mini symposium) to a panel of judges and compete for follow-on support to take their ideas even further.
Programme overview
Three pathways to prototyping
New for Hackstarter 2026, we have three distinct pathways to ensure your idea receives tailored support:
1. Research innovation
This pathway is available for students and staff working on research projects.
Projects should use the Hackstarter programme to develop prototypes that meaningfully enhance or enable improved research outputs. Entries to this pathway should be at Masters level or above, given its research-focused outcomes.
2. Lab automation
This is an advanced pathway with a focus on the development of open hardware for laboratory automation.
Projects should focus on developing novel hardware or protocols that help researchers automate their work more effectively, whether through advanced automation techniques or the integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence.
3. Open project
This pathway is open to all project submissions.
The Open Project pathway is intentionally broad and flexible. All staff and students of Imperial are welcome to enter, regardless of discipline or experience. Projects that address real-world challenges, improve sustainability, or offer innovative, user-focused solutions are especially encouraged.
To see examples of last year’s Open Projects, visit the Hackstarter 2025 Grand Final page.
Judging criteria
All projects will be judged against the following criteria:
Achievement relative to opportunity:
Projects will be judged based on how much they have achieved in the time given, taking into account any prior work that may have been completed.
Innovation
Projects will be judged on how innovative they are. This may be due to the project idea or an aspect of the project that has been developed over the course of the programme.
Funding and eligibility
Across all pathways, Hackstarter provides grant (voucher) funding, expert guidance and access to comprehensive prototyping facilities to help participants turn promising ideas into physical models. Choose the route that best suits your project:
1. Research innovation
- 10 projects will receive initial “Hack Credit” vouchers of £500 per project
- The winning team will receive a further £2,000 in credits
- Applicants must be Masters students and above, as the project must have a focus on furthering research
2. Lab automation
- 10 projects will receive “Hack Credit” vouchers of £500 per project
- The winning team will receive a further £2,000 in credits
- This is an advanced stream open to PhD students and above, with a focus on developing open hardware for laboratory automation
3. Open project
- 5 projects will receive “Hack Credit” vouchers worth £500 each
- The winning team will be awarded £1,000 to progress their project
- The winning team will receive 9 months of Hackspace membership after graduating (must be claimed within 2 years of being awarded)
- This route is open to all Imperial staff and students
General entry requirements
- You can apply as an individual, or in a team of up to four people
- Open to Imperial innovators only. External applications will not be accepted
- You can find more information on our entry requirements in our programme terms and conditions
- Please see details of each pathway for specific entry criteria
Key 2026 dates
Monday 12th January
The deadline for all Hackstarter applications is 9am on Monday 12th January 2026.
Friday 16th January
Hackstarter 2026 cohort announced.
Friday 6th February
Mid programme pizza social!
Thursday 12th March
End of programme Event Final at which this year’s winners will be announced.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this programme, you will have learned how to:
Develop an idea from first concept to a prototype
Develop new hardware skills and approaches to design (physical) prototypes
Design prototyping experiments to help validate, refine or discredit an idea quickly
Understand what the next steps are in your development journey
Our credentials
We’re award winning!
Hackstarter’s track-record in nurturing great ideas into real-world impact has achieved national recognition by winning a prestigious Knowledge Exchange award in the “Highly Commended” category.
Testimonials
Hackstarter has provided a launchpad for several successful startups. Read more about previous teams who have benefitted from the programme to make their ideas a reality.
FAQs
Can I submit several projects?
Yes, you can submit several ideas. However, only one idea will be taken forward to the full programme if you are selected.
Do you take any equity in my team/company?
Can I speak to someone about my idea?
Yes, if you have any questions please get in touch with the HackTeam [email protected]
What are the terms and conditions?
You can find the programme terms and conditions here.
How to apply
Please complete the Hackstarter Sign Up Form using your Imperial College login.
Please note: The deadline for all Hackstarter applications is 9am on Monday 12th January 2026.
