News

LSE launches ImpactU HUB to support social venture innovation across UK universities

we’re setting the stage for transformative ventures that address society’s most pressing challenges
- Blué O’Connor, ImpactU HUB Manager at LSE
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ImpactU HUB, a groundbreaking learning platform designed to help the UK Higher Education community start and scale social ventures, has been launched by LSE.

Offering a comprehensive suite of resources, including over 100 live workshops, 25+ expert-led online courses and personalised learning paths, ImpactU HUB provides unparalleled access to training, events, and networking opportunities.

The platform is part of the broader ImpactU initiative, of which LSE is a Lead Partner University. ImpactU aims to equip university-affiliated social ventures with the funding, training and ecosystem they need to turn their ideas and research into impactful ventures.

ImpactU HUB offers three distinct learning tracks to guide users at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey:

  • Ignite: Designed for first-time founders, this introductory track teaches the foundations of social entrepreneurship, helping participants explore the “why” and “how” of launching a social venture;
  • Launch: For those ready to bring their ideas to market, Launch offers practical guidance on market validation, user needs assessment, brand building, and funding strategies;
  • Scale: Created for established ventures, this advanced track provides expertise on growth strategies, revenue generation, and maximising social impact.

Through ImpactU HUB, members can access up to £10,000 worth of curated learning resources, with the full suite of tools and courses available by March 2025. Use of the full range of services is available to all staff, students and alumni of ImpactU member Universities.

Blué O’Connor, ImpactU HUB Manager at LSE, said: “By co-designing and curating a diverse selection of world-class training, targeted funding, and a strong network of like-minded individuals, we’re setting the stage for transformative ventures that address society’s most pressing challenges.”

Charlotte Rowan, Senior Research Innovation Manager at LSE, said: “ImpactU HUB will be a one-stop shop for university-based social ventures to start, grow and scale their ventures. Our mission is to simplify the path to social entrepreneurship, fostering the growth of more social ventures from the university ecosystem and amplifying the impact of our institutions.”

 

Behind the article

About ImpactU

Launched in 2023 with a £1.5m UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) grant, ImpactU aims to equip university-affiliated social ventures with the funding, training and ecosystem they need to turn their ideas and research into impactful ventures.

The project also includes the Pathfinder Award, a £40,000 venture funding opportunity delivered by Oxford University Innovation (OUI).

Find out more about Research and Innovation at LSE here: https://info.lse.ac.uk/staff/divisions/research-and-innovation.