Aspire
A decade of student innovation and impact
Since 2015, ASPIRE (Accelerator Space for
Innovation and Responsible Enterprise) has been at the heart of the University of Kent's entrepreneurial culture. Built with philanthropic support, it has grown into a thriving hub for enterprise, creativity and ambition, serving students and graduates across Canterbury and Medway.
ASPIRE participants go on to launch businesses addressing social, environmental and technological challenges. With mentoring from University of Kent alumni and access to professional networks, the programme gives students the practical experience and confidence to take their first steps as entrepreneurs, from any discipline, at any stage.
ASPIRE by numbers
4,000+ students and graduates reached
60+ new businesses launched
10 years of continuous impact
Case studies
What our participants say
ASPIRE has been such a massive source of support for us at the start of our entrepreneurial journey. The programme gave us the confidence to leave university and fully commit to building our business.
Danika Hossain and Arshia Bhatnagar, Co-Founders, Bhangra Blends
Case studies
What our participants say
ASPIRE gave me the confidence to believe my idea could become something real, I wouldn’t have had the courage to take that step without them.
Natasha Hayworth, Founder, Cakeybakeydoodah
Case studies
What our participants say
I don't think my brand would have grown so quickly if it hadn't been for the support I received through the ASPIRE programme.
Emay Enemokwu, Founder of Jehucal
Finding the next generation of entrepreneurs
ASPIRE has spent a decade helping University of Kent students turn ideas into businesses. The founding gift that made it possible is ending and we need your support to continue.
Opportunities for support
Join us in supporting ASPIRE to enable more students to turn ideas into action. Your gift will open up access to entrepreneurship, create lasting social and economic impact and strengthen connections across the University, business and the wider community.
Philanthropy has driven ASPIRE’s success so far. We are seeking both leadership gifts and targeted support to ensure future generations of students have the same opportunity to succeed.
We welcome both leadership gifts and targeted support. Every contribution will make a difference.
£185,000 - Transformational Leadership Gift
Fund ASPIRE in full for one year, supporting delivery, mentoring, funding and outreach.
£75,000 - Business Start-Up Journey
Fund our flagship entrepreneurship programme, enabling students from any discipline to build the skills and confidence to launch new ventures.
£50,000 - Specialist Industry Accelerator
Back a themed accelerator in areas such as science, sustainability, digital innovation, health or the creative industries.
£25,000 - Global Alumni and Mentoring Network
Build a global community of alumni entrepreneurs, connecting students with founders, mentors and investors.
£15,000 - Innovation Grants Fund
Provide early-stage funding for founders to test ideas, build prototypes and run pilot projects.
£10,000 - Masterclass Series
Deliver a year of expert-led sessions with founders and industry leaders.
£5,000 - Community Outreach and Access
Support a cohort of the Be Your Own Boss programme, widening access to underrepresented communities.
Up to £5,000 - ASPIRE General Fund
Give flexibly, allowing us to direct your support where it is needed most.
Your support will sustain a programme which has already changed thousands of lives. Every gift strengthens Kent’s culture of innovation, supports new ventures and equips students and graduates to build a better future.
If you would like to discuss how you can support ASPIRE and learn about opportunities for engagement, please contact Anna Pollard at A.J.Pollard@kent.ac.uk.
