Hackstarter

If you are looking to make your idea a reality, experiment and innovate, then look no further! Develop new skills and put your theories to the test and apply for the Hackstarter programme!

Programme Overview

What is Hackstarter?

Multus Media team working in the lab

The Hackstarter programme has been designed to turn your inspiring, inventive and entrepreneurial ideas into a reality, providing early stage ideas with the necessary cash boost (grant funding) to get off the ground.

You can apply individually or in teams. If your project gets selected you will receive £500 Hack Credit to develop a product prototype at the Hackspace.

Not only do you get the credit to spend at Hackspace, you’ll also have access to the Advanced Hackspace – three purpose designed prototyping and fabrication spaces all under one roof; Electronics and Digital Manufacturing Workshop, Biochemistry Lab and Mechanical Workshop; as well as dedicated technical support and guidance from our team of Hack Fellows and Hackspace experts.

Hackstarter Grand Final Event

At the end of the programme, selected teams will present their developments at a mini symposium with a judging panel picking the winners and runners up. Those chosen will receive:

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Winning Team
  • Additional £2,500 Hack Credits to further develop the winning project
  • Hackstarter Trophy
  • Winners Certificates for each group member
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Runners-up Teams
  • Additional £500 Hack Credits to further develop their projects
  • Runners-up Certificates for each group member

To learn more about this year’s Hackstarter cohort and discover their innovations, please visit the Hackstarter 2024 Grand Final event page.

Entry requirements

  • You can apply as an individual, or in a team of up to four people.
  • All members of your team must be students or staff of Imperial College London.
  • External applications will not be accepted.

You can find more information on our entry requirements in our programme terms and conditions.

Key dates

Monday 8th January

Deadline for all Hackstarter applications. Application deadline is midnight on Monday 8th January 2024.

Friday 19th January

2023-24 Hackstarter Cohort announced.

Friday 16th February

Mid programme pizza social!

Friday 15th March

End of programme Grand Final on 15th March at which winner/s will be announced.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this programme you’ll have learnt how to:
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Develop an idea from first concept to a prototype

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Develop new hardware skills and approaches to design (physical) prototypes

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Design prototyping experiments to help validate, refine or discredit an idea quickly

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Understand what the next steps are in your development journey

Past Projects

Take a look at the brilliant initiatives from our ’21-’22 cohort!

Aquinos

A more resourceful way for developing countries to transport water Find out more

Ultima Thule Speculum

Bringing Speculum design into the 21st century Find out more

PlaSense

A new device design to continuously monitor microplastic levels in water sources Find out more

Universal Automated Emergency Call Device

Making automatic emergency calling available to all modes of transport Find out more

B_R

An open-sourced approach to bring better brewing to small-scale beer producers Find out more

Sensact

Innovating blood sugar monitoring using a microneedle-based glucose sensor Find out more

Volumetric Screen

A true 3D display for more immersive cinematic and gaming experiences Find out more

Exactotrace

Better contact tracing Find out more

Mycelium Leather Bioreactor

A novel approach to non-animal leather manufacture Find out more

Heady

An app that saves doctors valuable time in identifying and treating non-critical ... Find out more

Robotic Quadruped Platform

A more cost-effective way to design human compatible robots Find out more

NXT LVL

A better way to track fitness and help users stay motivated Find out more

Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it

Need more inspiration? Read more about previous teams who have benefited from support and a cash boost to make their ideas a reality!

FreshCheck

“Imperial Advanced Hackspace helped FreshCheck make our first prototype by giving us a £500 grant to purchase the required chemicals and, most importantly, by providing labspace in which we could operate. Without the space and freedom to develop and iterate our prototypes we would not be where we are today.”

Alex Bond & John Simpson, Co-Founders FreshCheck

BladeBUG

“The Hackspace supported BladeBUG when the concept was nothing more than just an idea. It provided space to work and turn the idea into reality.”

Chris Cieslak, Founder & CEO, BladeBUG

VUI Diagnostics

“Advanced Hackspace has been pivotal to the progress of VUI Diagnostics by providing us with the space and rapid prototyping resources to develop the concept for our product. Thanks to the support, both monetary and technical, we have been able to iteratively develop and overcome failure in the design process earlier.”

Simon Rabinowicz​, Uddhav Vaghela, ​​Co-Founders​ VUI Diagnostics

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?
No. We’ve designed this programme to give you the skills and support you need to bring your idea to life.
When can I expect a reply regarding my application?

We aim to let all our all applicants know if they’ve been accepted onto the programme by 12pm on 30th January.

Can I speak to someone about my idea?

Yes, if you have any questions please get in touch with the HackTeam [email protected] or book a Hack Surgery to discuss your idea for the Hackstarter programme.

What are the terms and conditions?

You can find the programme terms and conditions here.

How to apply

Please click HERE to enter using your Imperial College login.

hand working on electronic components