Last week, Cheltenham hosted a fully funded tech and cyber bootcamp where future founders turned their ideas into viable start-ups – all in just five days. Delegates were so inspired, they’re calling for the initiative to expand nationwide.
Supported by the Barclays Eagle Labs Ecosystem Partnership Programme, Cheltenham was buzzing with innovation as the ‘Future Founder Bootcamp’ got underway at the University of Gloucestershire’s FuturePark Campus.
Designed and ran by CyNam,, CHLTM TECH and The Ideas Agency, the oversubscribed bootcamp brought together early stage founders from across the South of the UK (from coast to city) to get clarity on their business ideas and the confidence to speak about them.
Delegates included students from the universities of Bath, Exeter, Gloucestershire and Royal Holloway alongside cybersecurity professionals and mid-life career-changers.
Bootcamp delegate, Sushma Saxena said:
“I was really shy on Day 1, but I’ve grown more confident each day. Now I can stand up and say, ‘Yes, this is what I’m doing.’ It’s not just an idea anymore – I’m turning it into a business and I’m so excited. I can’t think about anything else!
This bootcamp shouldn’t be a one-off – it needs to happen in every major city!”
“I came through the door with just an idea – something I’d been quietly thinking about to help make healthcare more affordable and accessible in the UK. It’s kind of amazing… in just eight hours, that idea turned into a digital prototype. Now I’ve got a proper pitch, a clearer direction and my brain hasn’t stopped buzzing since.”
Over five days, participants gained insights from a standout lineup of award-winning innovation experts including BAFTA winning writer Tim Reid, Storyteller and Pitch Specialist Jack Pinter, Insight Strategist Kathryn Ellis, Ideas Agency Founder Nik Venios, Innovation Strategist Harvey Wade and Corporate Innovation Leader Mark Famy.
Expert speakers Nik Venios and Mark Famy from The Ideas Agency commented:
“People are coming up and hugging us – it’s amazing! It’s been an incredible privilege to be part of this and deeply fulfilling.”
“It’s phenomenal because of the speed. Where else can you, in just a four-hour session, go from spotting a problem to validating a solution with AI as a companion. Ideas are cheap, it’s bringing them into the world that makes them real.”
The week began with a focus on the delegates’ market challenges, encouraging them to view their problems from a fresh perspective. Day 2 followed with creativity exercises that sparked fresh ideas with expansive thinking techniques used by brands like Virgin Atlantic, Carlsberg and Red Bull. Day 3 involved taking an idea on paper and making a real digital platform / app / website – taking ideas from paper into reality in a matter of hours.
On Day 4 the delegates looked to prove or disprove their assumptions by meeting with technology industry veterans and better understand how their ideas could be improved. Day 5 culminated with storytelling and pitching from professional playwright and jazz musician Jack Pinter who designs and facilitates for some of the biggest organisations on the planet.
Rob Stemp, CTO, DeepMinds said: “You can’t learn this stuff from books or YouTube. That’s why we started the bootcamp – to share the real, messy truth about building something that works.
We had some brilliant ideas in the room that I think could really fly! Most of the participants are mid-career, they took a week off work – to do something that’s never been done before. It takes guts to start something new, and showing up is the first step to being a founder.”
The bootcamp created a unique space for participants to shape ideas, connect with pre-seed investors and in some cases, even find co-founders.
Bootcamp delegate, Jane Hobbs [pictured above] said:
“I arrived on Day 1 with a total spider-brain – ideas popping out in every direction! I’ve been dithering for ages, but now I’ve finally pinned it down and am designing an online app!
The presenters were absolutely outstanding. My favourite moment? Hands down, the session with the BAFTA-winning screenwriter. Incredible!”
Throughout the week, delegates heard from industry specialists including Hazlewoods, HCR Law and Wynne Jones IP and supported by Jonathan Viney and Jason Suttie. With free accommodation, meals, and expert mentoring the residential experience offered everything needed to take a concept to pitch in just five days.
Guest Speaker and Mentor Jason Suttie [pictured below] said: “As a founder who’s experienced both success and setbacks, it’s a privilege to share what I’ve learnt with those just starting out. I’ve done this stuff, and I know stuff.
I love finding out about people’s stories and enjoy adding my insight and a different perspective to help new founders avoid the pitfalls and improve their chances of success.”
Bootcamp Sponsor, Adam Shearing from Hazlewoods said: “We’re delighted to support the Future Founder Bootcamp. The energy in the room was infectious – it’s amazing to see so much talent and collaboration in one place. The week really showed what’s possible when people are given the space, support and connections to explore their ideas. Hazlewoods are proud to be a part of this and support the next generation of entrepreneurs.”
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