16 - 18 FEBRUARY 2026
Tonbridge Young Entrepreneurs Wanted
The Startup Accelerator is an exciting 3-day Dragon's Den style entrepreneurship conference for students aged 11–14, taking place during the upcoming February half term at Tonbridge School by the award-winning global educational company 8billionideas.
Young entrepreneurs who received formal education in entrepreneurship were 40% more likely to successfully launch their own businesses within two years of graduation.
Coming this February half-term, Key Stage 3 students from 6 local schools will compete in a 3-day startup experience they’ll never forget. Students will form startup teams and create a business, design a prototype, and pitch their vision to a panel of real-world “investors” in a live Dragons’ Den-style finale.
Only 24 spots per school.
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What to expect?
Daily entrepreneurship workshops & guest speakers
Each day is packed with dynamic, hands-on workshops where students learn the fundamentals of building a business. From identifying problems worth solving to designing products people love. Throughout the programme, students will receive personalised guidance from inspiring startup founders and guest speakers.
Prototype building and pitching practice
They’ll design and build simple prototypes, refine them through feedback, and learn how to pitch with clarity and confidence. By the final day, every team will step onto the stage to deliver a professional-style pitch, just like in Dragons’ Den.
Startup mentoring from real founders
Our mentors also bring real-world experience into the room, offering feedback, and sharing stories of success and failure.
Accredited certificate and startup toolkit
Every participant receives an accredited certificate from the National Open College Network and award-winning 8billionideas, recognising their learning, teamwork, and entrepreneurial achievement. Students also gain access to a downloadable Startup Toolkit filled with templates, idea sheets, and guides to keep developing their skills long after the programme ends.
Could you be the next big founder?
This isn’t just for future CEOs. We need artists, writers, coders, dreamers and designers. Real startups need all kinds of thinkers. Whether you’re a natural problem-solver, a creative thinker, or just love working in teams, this is for you. At Startup Accelerator, you’ll:
😄 Join a team of fellow student entrepreneurs from your school
🚀 Turn your wild ideas into real-world prototypes
⭐️ Learn how to pitch like a pro in front of real-life investors & founders
🎉 Earn prizes for your ideas & work during the Accelerator
Wondering if this is right for your child?
⭐️ Is your child curious, creative, or full of ideas?
⭐️ Do they love challenges and team projects?
⭐️ Are they ready to build confidence in a fun, supportive space?
If you said “yes” to any of the above and your child is between 11 and 14 years old, this camp is made for them.
Learn from real founders
Throughout the programme, students will hear directly from guest speakers who have built businesses from the ground up. Our lineup of entrepreneurs bring over 40 years of combined experience in launching, scaling, and leading businesses across multiple industries. They’ve made mistakes, taken risks, solved real-world problems, and built things that matter, and now they’re here to share that journey.
Tom Munday
& Lyfe Technology
Tom Whittle
Fabienne Hakim
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Hosted at the prestigious Tonbridge School
We’re proud to bring this experience to life at Tonbridge School, a setting known for excellence in education, innovation, and opportunity.
FAQ
Still Have Questions?
🚀 What if my child doesn’t have a business idea yet?
That’s the fun part — they’ll come up with one as a team!
🏆 Is this competitive?
Yes, but it’s friendly. Everyone wins by learning.
💡Is it just for students interested in business?
Nope! We welcome creatives, coders, writers and inventors. Every team needs all kinds of thinkers.
Don't miss out!
Spots are limited and filling fast.Secure your place now and give your child a holiday to remember.
Part of a Year-Long Accelerator Series
This programme is one of three unique Accelerator experiences created by 8billionideas to equip students with the real-world skills they need to thrive in life, not just school. Across the year, students can take part in different accelerators designed to build confidence, career awareness, and leadership abilities in powerful, age-appropriate ways.
Startup Accelerator
Leadership Accelerator
