A Scottish Government funded programme for S4–S6 students from Edinburgh & Aberdeen high schools

Registration Closed

Registration Closed

START Hackathon - is a one day event designed to inspire and empower the next generation of entrepreneurial thinkers

START Hackathon - is a one day event designed to inspire and empower the next generation of entrepreneurial thinkers

NOMINATE A TEAM OF 5 STUDENTS

Registration Closed

Deadline: 16th January 2026



Date & Location: 

Aberdeen: 6th February 2026 (Friday).

📍 ONE Tech Hub

Edinburgh: 27th February 2026 (Friday).        

📍 Edinburgh Future Institute



Time: 9.00am – 3.30pm. 



Who should attend: S4-S6 students (aged 14-17), with an interest in business or leadership. To be chaperoned by one teacher.



Fee: The event is fully funded. Lunch provided! 

"START was beneficial in teaching me to use my problem-solving and team working skills which I know will be vital for my life in university and in my future career"


2025 Finalist, John Paul Academy

Why join the START Hackathon ?

Experience ‘real-world’ entrepreneurship

Develop skills in problem-solving, creativity and resilience

Build communication skills and confidence

Connect with peers beyond their own school

Be inspired by real local entrepreneurs

Registration Closed

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do students need to have business skills to attend?
A: No. Just the curiosity to learn!


Q: Do we need to send students from one year only?
A: Not necessarily. S6 students preferred, however we allow flexibility. We leave it to teachers to decide the best mix of students.


Q: Will transport be provided?
A: Transport is to be arranged by respective schools.


Q: Will food be provided?
A: Yes! We will provide welcome refreshments and lunch.


Q: What do we need to bring?
A: Notebook, stationeries, water bottle.
*Laptop may be advised 1 per team based on the city of event.

Registration Closed

“It’s excellent for learners to build their confidence and for staff to take part in as well.”

Danni Cohen


Teacher, St Thomas Aquinas Secondary School

Judges featuring industry leaders in innovation and entrepreneurship

Judges featuring industry leaders in innovation and entrepreneurship

Mentors featuring industry connectors and enablers in innovation and entrepreneurship

Mentors featuring industry connectors and enablers in innovation and entrepreneurship

Agenda

Agenda

Agenda

Agenda

0830: Registration

0900: Part 1- Welcome & Launch Your Startup

1000: Break

1010: Part 2- Generate the Idea

1215: Lunch & Idea Testing

1310: Part 3- Building & Pitching

1530: Results

15:30: Thank you!


0830: Registration

0900: Part 1- Welcome & Launch Your Startup

1000: Break

1010: Part 2- Generate the Idea

1215: Lunch & Idea Testing

1310: Part 3- Building & Pitching

1530: Results

15:30: Thank you!

Funded by:

Training partner:

Venue partners:

Supported by:

Funded by:

Training partner:

Venue partners:

Supported by:

Skillfluence is a UK-based skills development company with a mission to help researchers deliver maximum socio-economic value from their research, while realising their life and career goals. Over the last 8 years they have worked with over 80 universities and delivered programmes for more than 20,000 researchers, academics, PhD students and professional service staff.

Skillfluence is a UK-based skills development company with a mission to help researchers deliver maximum socio-economic value from their research, while realising their life and career goals. Over the last 8 years they have worked with over 80 universities and delivered programmes for more than 20,000 researchers, academics, PhD students and professional service staff.

The programme is delivered by Skillfluence Ltd.

The programme is delivered by Skillfluence Ltd.