CORNERSTONE Photonics Innovation Centre (C-PIC), the UK’s dedicated Innovation and Knowledge Centre (IKC) for silicon photonics, has partnered with Future Worlds, the University of Southampton’s startup accelerator, to launch a dedicated Silicon Photonics Stream at an upcoming Future Worlds Bootcamp, taking place on 29–30 November 2025.
The new stream will give researchers working in silicon photonics the opportunity to explore the commercial potential of their technology through an intensive, fully funded weekend designed to fast-track entrepreneurial thinking. This is a national programme open to UK researchers, students, founders and SMEs. Hosted by experienced founders and startup experts, the Bootcamp provides an introduction to startup fundamentals — from validating business ideas to understanding investment pathways and building high-impact ventures.
For some participants, Bootcamp will be a motivational first step towards exploring the business landscape. For others, it could be the start of a longer journey into the Future Worlds Cohort, a six-month acceleration programme that offers mentoring, training, and a trip to Silicon Valley, culminating in a pitch at Demo Day 2026.
Participants who progress to the Cohort will also have the opportunity to apply for up to £40,000 in equity-free funding for prototyping, technical services, and specialist support, further accelerating their journey from breakthrough research to real-world innovation. This funding aims to remove early barriers to commercialisation, helping founders refine their technology, develop demonstrators, and engage potential customers or investors with confidence. Funding subject to EPSRC eligibility and terms and conditions.
Applications are open now and will close on 23 November 2025. To apply for this exciting opportunity, please visit tinyurl.com.
About Future Worlds
Future Worlds helps University of Southampton researchers, students, and graduates launch and scale startups and spinouts. By connecting aspiring founders with expert mentors, investors, and industry networks, Future Worlds supports the commercialisation of new technologies emerging from the University.
Since its inception, Future Worlds startups have raised over £115 million, supporting more than 409jobs across 69 active companies, and helping over 120 aspiring founders every year to take their first steps into entrepreneurship. The new Silicon Photonics programme further strengthens that mission – creating a pathway for innovators in one of the UK’s most advanced and high-impact technology sectors. This year marks a major milestone for Future Worlds as it celebrates its 10-year anniversary. Over the past decade, Future Worlds has grown into a thriving innovation ecosystem, and its expansion continues with the launch of two new national cohort programmes: AI and Photonics. These additions reflect Future Worlds’ commitment to nurturing cutting-edge technologies and empowering the next generation of founders and researchers.
For further information, please visit cornerstone.sotonfab.co.uk.
, the UK’s dedicated Innovation and Knowledge Centre (IKC) for silicon photonics, has partnered with Future Worlds, the University of Southampton’s startup accelerator, to launch a dedicated Silicon Photonics Stream at an upcoming Future Worlds Bootcamp, taking place on 29–30 November 2025.){kind=link}