University of York and NatWest launch campus business hub to back local entrepreneurs
Posted on Wednesday 10 June 2026
Based on campus at the Innovation Centre at York Science Park, the facility combines business growth programmes and coaching with a 24/7 mobile app, linking users to business trackers and investor networks. From campus researchers commercialising breakthroughs to regional business owners scaling up, the facility aims to be a launchpad for regional growth.
The onsite Accelerator Hub is an expansion of the University’s existing entrepreneurial ecosystem and will plug directly into the University's established business support networks – including Enterprise Works.
Data from NatWest highlights the practical impact of the programme, with businesses completing the accelerator programme increasing their turnover by an average of 104 per cent a year. By keeping this support and talent within the region, the hub aims to strengthen the local economy and support high-growth sectors like biotechnology, clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
Opportunity for everyone
A central goal of the partnership is to break down traditional barriers to business ownership and make entrepreneurship accessible to people from all backgrounds. By offering free, practical resources both in person and digitally, the partnership aims to ensure that starting a business is a realistic opportunity for anyone with a strong idea.
Entrepreneurs using the hub will receive specialist mentoring, peer support and support to access a range of corporate finance and investment opportunities. Local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), students and staff can begin accessing the mentoring sessions, digital workshops and investor networks by downloading the NatWest Accelerator app.
The launch event brought together regional civic leaders, investors and local business owners to mark the start of the partnership. The event featured a live pitch competition where three regional founders competed for business investment, alongside addresses from University and financial sector leaders, including Professor Kiran Trehan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise, Partnerships and Engagement at the University of York and Darren Pirie, Head of Accelerator at NatWest.
Incredible ideas
Professor Kiran Trehan said: “We’ve launched the Hub in partnership with NatWest Accelerator because we both believe in the incredible ideas coming out of our region, and we agree that starting a business should be an option for everyone, no matter what their background.
“By bringing together NatWest Accelerator’s national reach and our University's research and deep local roots, we’re setting up a support system tailored for everyone – from student founders to small and medium local businesses. It’s already so exciting to see a community of entrepreneurs growing around the hub, and we can’t wait to watch that network continue to build. York and North Yorkshire have extraordinary talent and we, as a university for public good, have a responsibility to make sure that talent has every reason to stay, grow, and invest right here.”
Northern business
Darren Pirie said: “York and North Yorkshire have the ideas and the talent, this new Accelerator is here to add the firepower.
“York brings together everything we look for in a long-term partner location: a globally recognised, leading university, strengths in sectors like bioeconomy, rail and clean energy, and a connected region that wants growth to reach towns, villages and coastal communities as well as the city centre.
“Together with the University of York, we’re giving ambitious founders the backing, connections and confidence to scale world class businesses in the North, not somewhere else.
“We strongly believe in the entrepreneurial heritage and potential of the region and through this partnership aim to create the conditions for innovation to flourish and for high potential businesses to grow and succeed in the North.”
Creating opportunities
Student entrepreneur and president of York’s Entrepreneur Society, Maisy Whitehead, said: “I am incredibly excited about the University of York becoming home to the NatWest Accelerator Hub. Having access to experienced mentors, industry expertise and a network of likeminded entrepreneurs is invaluable when building and scaling a business.
“Programmes like this provide founders with the guidance, support and confidence needed to turn innovative ideas into successful ventures. It also reinforces York's growing reputation as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, creating more opportunities for students and local businesses.”
