The Venture Catalyst Challenge (VCC)

The Venture Catalyst Challenge (VCC) is Imperial College London’s flagship entrepreneurial competition, run by the Imperial Enterprise Lab. It supports Imperial students, alumni and early-career researchers in developing ambitious early-stage ideas into ventures with real-world potential. Selected teams take part in an intensive programme of mentoring, workshops and expert support designed to strengthen their business model, refine their proposition and prepare them for growth.

The programme brings together ventures across a range of sectors and culminates in a competitive final, with teams pitching for a share of a substantial prize fund. For 2026, VCC supports 25 teams across five tracks, with £100,000 in prizes available. Beyond the competition itself, the programme is designed to give founders greater visibility, stronger networks and the skills and confidence needed to take their ventures beyond Imperial and into the wider market.