Design Hub 2024 now open for applications

News article

Free programme to help you take your 'inventive idea' to a 'prototype with potential'

Design Hub is a free programme that guides you through the initial design development and validation process, helping you take your idea from a thought to a credible concept.

The programme offers ten free mentorship sessions, led by professional product developers and covering crucial areas like:

  • market research
  • user testing
  • iterative concept creation
  • storytelling
  • pitching
  • prototyping

The programme is flexible and self-paced, with a recommendation that participants dedicate a minimum of 2 hours a week to their project.

As well as mentorship sessions, participants will also get a chance to access:

  • up to £3000 worth of funding for prototyping
  • a co-working space and a supportive entrepreneurial community
  • support in user-testing to understand your target market
  • access to a wide network of entrepreneurs, mentors and peers within the local area

Catalyst will also provide you with a personalised contingency plan at the end of the programme to support you moving forward with the next stage of your product development.

Who should apply?

Design Hub welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds that:

  • have an early-stage, innovative product idea (physical or digital)
  • are from a non-technical background

With limited spots available, early applications are encouraged to secure a place in this programme.

Registrations of interest for Design Hub 2024 close on 7 February 2024.

Register your interest now.

The programme will start on 26 February and run until 14 June 2024.

First published 16 January 2024