Product Builder Programme
Applications now closed
Please register your interest for our next programme which will start in October
Accelerating early-stage entrepreneurs from idea to product
Product Builder Programme powered by Barclays Eagle Labs funded by UK Government
In collaboration with Plexal we have created a new programme, Product Builder which is designed to fit around the busy lives of budding entrepreneurs. This online programme will teach you how to develop a digital product and then test, validate and evolve it using customer feedback.
We believe in the power of collaboration and digitally-enabled innovation to solve society’s challenges. Throughout this programme you’ll work with experts and meet likeminded founders to share your journey.
Applications open
02 May 2023
Applications close
15 June 2023
Successful applicant(s) notified
w/c 26 June 2023
Programme launch
03 July 2023
Programme ends
25 August 2023
MVP Bootcamp
October 2023
at Plexal HQ in East London
How is the programme delivered?
Our Product Builder Programme is a virtual two-month accelerator that fits around the busy schedules of budding entrepreneurs, comprising a mixture of live sessions and on-demand content you can engage with in your own time.
At the end of the programme, the ten most promising ideas will be selected to attend a two-day in-person Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Bootcamp to build and validate their product with industry experts.
Why join?
With support from best-in-class speakers, mentors and course materials, our Product Builder Programme will help you accelerate your product from idea to build.
By the end of the programme, you’ll have rapidly prototyped your digital offering, tested it with users, validated it with industry experts and produced a pitch deck to take it to market.
Please note, we will not take any equity or intellectual property if you’re selected to be part of the programme.
Who’s it for?
Our Product Builder programme is for anyone looking to learn the fundamentals of designing and testing a digital product.
Whether you have an innovative idea, a service-based business ready to be digitised, or industry expertise with a challenge to solve, this programme will teach you the core technical and business skills that’ll take you to the next level.
Product Builder Programme is for you if:
- You’re energised by solving society’s biggest challenges through digital innovation
- You understand a particular challenge that you want to solve with digital product or service
- You have a small, service-based UK business and want to create your first digital product
- You’re UK based and would intend to set up your business in the UK
- You’re an individual, or a team of less than four people
- If you already have a digital product or service, it is likely at idea or early prototype stage
- If you have set up your business, you have your first few customers and are yet to raise investment.
You don’t need to have:
- Technical knowledge or past entrepreneurial experience
- A fully formed product idea – we’ll help you develop this on the programme
We welcome applications from people and teams of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences. You could be a full-time student, or an experienced industry expert looking for a change.
Future founders with an idea
Whether you have industry or academic expertise and have identified a major challenge within your field, or have an innovative idea for a digital product that needs validation, this programme can guide you through the process of building and testing a minimum viable product (MVP).
Businesses looking to digitise
If you're a service-based business owner with offline revenues, this is your opportunity to learn how to transform your business into a digital product and take it to the next level.
Please register your interest for our next programme which will start in October
About Plexal
Plexal is the innovation company solving society's challenges through collaboration with government, startups and industry. The business is closing the gap between organisations – small and large, local and global, private and public – and working towards a common goal: using science and technology to deliver national security and prosperity.
Our network extends across the UK and we have offices across London, Cheltenham and Manchester. We want to reflect this reach on the programme and hear from innovators around the country.
FAQs
What does the programme cost?
The programme is funded by UK government and free to take part.
Is there a limit to the number of startups/ideas accepted?
It is a competitive programme and there are 100 programme places.
When will sessions be delivered?
Live sessions will be delivered after work on a Monday 5:00-6:30pm. The remainder of the content will be on-demand for you to watch/read in your own time.
What is the time commitment?
Each week there will be a compulsory 1.5 hour live session Monday 5:00-6:30pm. The amount of time you spend to refine and test your product in your own time is at your discretion, however, it's important to note that participants who dedicate the most time are likely to achieve the best results.
If I already have an MVP can I apply?
To apply you should be an idea-stage founder without an MVP. If you have started to experiment with building your digital product, it should be very early stages with a small number of users.
My team / company is larger than 4 – can I still apply?
We recommend teams of less than 4 to indicate that this should be an early-stage idea and company.
My company has raised funding – can I still apply?
You should not have raised significant capital in relation to this particular product idea. If you have, you may be too advanced for the programme content.