Students of Enterprise:
Innovate, Collaborate
and Accelerate
At the University of Exeter, we are committed to challenging our ambitious and inquisitive students to become Students of Enterprise and help create a more Positive Future.
We believe in nurturing and empowering our students' talent, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. There are opportunities for all students to develop skills and experiences through a range of curricular and extra-curricular entrepreneurship and innovation pathways, across all campuses and faculties.
Our Student Startups division provide structured support for students and recent graduates (up to two years after graduation) who want to build, test and launch new ventures. From new products to apps, social enterprise ideas, creative projects and freelance ventures, the programmes offer a clear pathway from idea generation through validation to launch and growth.
Our aim is not only to support business creation but also to develop entrepreneurial mindset, confidence, creativity and resilience, equipping students with valuable skills that can be applied throughout their careers. By fostering innovation and enterprise across the University of Exeter community, Student Startups empowers students to create opportunities, solve real-world challenges and make a positive impact.
With a strong alumni network and excellent business connections, the startup support offered at Exeter has propelled many an idea to reality and secured successful ventures for our entrepreneurial students and graduates.
Meet some of our students and graduates who have transformed innovative ideas into successful ventures through the Student Startup programme.
Discover more about what it is like to be a student here.
草榴社区地址 Dog
Founded by Leo Carr
Contact Leo >
Achievements: Since launching, Leo has expanded this business to include other school subjects, rebranding as 草榴社区地址 Dog. 草榴社区地址 Dog was ranked in the by F6S in 2026.
Y1 Sport
Co-founded by Chris Rea
Achievements: Since launching in 2012 while studying at Exeter, co-founders Chris and Tom have appeared on Dragons Den and grown Y1 Sport to a ?4-million brand with 26 employees. In 2024, they supplied sports equipment to the Paris Olympic Games.
搁翱翱叠础搁叠’厂
Founded by Daisy Anderson
Contact Daisy >
Achievements: Now based in London, this sustainability-focused start-up has grown from strength to strength, scaling from its roots in Cornwall to catering for events, markets and private dinners in South London.
Smoothie London
Founded by Georgia Humbert
Contact Georgia >
Achievements: Smoothie London started as handmade jewellery created by founder Georgia while studying at Exeter. The business has now grown to a London-based team of five, shipping durable, stylish pieces all over the world.