A Studio Zao Programme

Next Steps Studio

Not sure what comes next? Come and find out.

Next Steps Studio is a free, three-week programme for Roehampton students. Whether you're thinking about starting something of your own, or just trying to work out what your next career move looks like - this is a chance to try things out in the real world. You'll build and test a business idea with a team, use AI tools throughout, and pitch to people who can actually open doors. No experience needed, just bring your curiosity.

Intensive. Full-time. In-person.

Dates 22 June – 10 July 2026

Location Peabody Workspace (SW11 1AY)

Places Limited spots

Cost Free to attend

Information Session 3 June · 10am–12pm Roehampton University · In-person

Limited places. Takes less than 60 seconds.

Who's Running It

We're Studio Zao - a London-based venture-building and innovation consultancy. Building and testing new ideas is what we do day to day, for organisations like Innovate UK, the NHS and TfL. Next Steps Studio is run by innovation experts who will be in the room with you, full-time, throughout the three weeks.

01 Who You'll Work With

Real briefs from real organisations

Each team works on an actual challenge from a partner organisation. You'll meet their people, get feedback from them during the programme, and pitch back to them at the end.

Peabody

One of London's oldest and largest housing associations, providing homes and support to over 220,000 Londoners.

Unilever

Global consumer goods company behind some of the world's most recognised brands, from Dove to Knorr.

TBC Partner TBC

Coming soon

02 What Is Next Steps Studio

A chance to try entrepreneurship

You don't need a business idea. You don't need to know what you want to do yet. Next Steps Studio is three weeks to try something different - build something, test it, and see what clicks. Whatever comes next, you'll leave with more to work with.

Engage with real employers

Direct connections and live feedback from major industry partners throughout the programme.

Develop in-demand AI skills

You'll use AI tools to research, build and test ideas throughout the three weeks and leave knowing how to apply it.

Get coached and mentored

Studio Zao coaches in the room full-time, plus feedback from industry mentors throughout.

Build skills you can show

A prototype, a pitch deck, a digital badge via Navigatr, and real experience on your CV.

03 Programme Structure

What the three weeks look like

01Week One

Find Your Idea

Meet your team and get your partner challenge brief
Define the problem and who it affects
Talk to potential customers and gather early evidence
Use AI tools to research fast and build a first prototype

02Week Two

Test It in the Real World

Get your idea in front of real people and gather feedback
Improve your prototype based on what you hear
Work out your business model: who pays, how much, and why
Use AI to build out your marketing, data and back-office materials

03Week Three

Pitch It Live

Learn how to pitch with a masterclass from industry experts
Build your pitch deck and rehearse with mentors
Present your venture live to investors and employers
Leave with a personal action plan for what comes next

Key Dates

From now until showcase

~15 May 2026

Expressions of interest open

Register your interest. The full application form goes live at the Information session.
3 June 2026 · 10am–12pm

Information session

In-person session at Roehampton University campus. Full application form goes live on the day, required to apply.
~8 June 2026

Applications close

Final cohort selection follows shortly after.
22 June 2026

Programme begins

Day one at Peabody Workspace, Clapham Junction, SW11 1AY.
9 July 2026

Showcase Day

Peabody HQ, Waterloo. Teams pitch to partners and London employers.
10 July 2026

Programme ends

Personal action planning day. Digital badges awarded via Navigatr.

05 Showcase Day

Thursday 9 July 2026

Peabody HQ · Waterloo

Teams present their ventures to the partners who set the briefs, alongside other employers and industry leaders. This is a live showcase with real feedback, not a rehearsal. Partners respond, discuss, and identify potential next steps with teams directly.

Funded by