The UK Innovator Founder Program is a visa route designed for individuals seeking to establish and run an innovative business in the UK. It replaced the previous Innovator and Start-up visas as part of the UK's efforts to streamline entrepreneurial immigration policies. The program encourages business founders with original, scalable, and viable ideas to come to the UK and contribute to its economy.

Key Features of the UK Innovator Founder Program:

1. Eligibility Requirements

Applicants for the innovator founder program must have a genuine, innovative, and scalable business idea new to the UK market.

The business should have the growth potential, creating jobs, and adding value to the UK economy.

The applicant must have an endorsement from a recognised UK endorsing body, which will assess the idea’s innovation, viability, and scalability.

2. Investment Funds

Unlike the previous Innovator Visa, the Innovator Founder Program no longer requires a minimum investment amount. However, you should demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to set up your business in the UK.

3. Endorsing Bodies

Endorsement bodies recognised and approved by the UK government must endorse the business idea. An approved UK endorsing body, such as a business accelerator, incubator, or an approved university will evaluate the business proposal for innovation, potential scalability, and marketability.

4. Work Flexibility

The program allows greater flexibility for founders. You can work outside your business to supplement your income if needed, unlike the previous Innovator Visa which restricted founders to work solely on their business.

5. Visa Duration and Extensions

The Innovator Founder visa is initially granted for three years. After the initial period, the visa can be extended for another three years, or you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as permanent residency, after three years if you meet the criteria.

6. Pathway to Settlement

You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after three years if:

Your business is still active, viable, and scalable.

You have an endorsement confirming the business’s continued success.

You must also meet residency and financial requirements.

7. Additional Benefits

If an applicant is approved, he/she will be allowed to bring their dependents (spouse/partner and children under 18) to the UK. There is no cap on the number of visas issued, and the applicant can apply from within or outside the UK.

Application Process

1. Prepare a Business Plan: The business must be innovative, new to the UK market, and scalable.
2. Get Endorsed: Submit your business plan to an approved endorsing body for evaluation.
3. Submit Your Application: Apply for the visa through the UK government website once endorsed.
4. Maintenance and Financial Requirements: Ensure you meet the financial requirements for yourself and your dependents.
5. Residency: Maintain your UK residency and develop your business in line with the initial plan.

This program is ideal for founders who want to start a business in the UK, offering more flexibility and opportunities than the earlier Innovator Visa scheme.

Endorsing Bodies for the Innovator Founder Visa

The UK Home Office maintains an official list of approved endorsing bodies for the Innovator Founder Visa. This list can change as organisations gain or lose their endorsement authority. Generally, these endorsing bodies include:

1. Business accelerators and incubators – Organizations that help early-stage startups by providing mentorship, workspace, networking opportunities, and sometimes funding.
2. Universities and academic institutions – UK universities with a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation may endorse business founders, especially those with connections to academic research or innovation hubs.
3. Specialized business organizations – Groups that focus on specific sectors or industries like tech, healthcare, fintech, etc., that promote innovative solutions and entrepreneurship.

Some common types of endorsing bodies include:

Examples of Endorsing Bodies (subject to change):

• Tech Nation (for technology businesses)
• Seedcamp (business incubator and investment fund)
• Entrepreneur First (entrepreneurship accelerator)
• Innovate UK Edge (helps businesses develop their innovative ideas)
• British Design Fund (supports design-focused businesses)
• Antler (global startup accelerator)
• Bethnal Green Ventures (focus on tech for good)
• Oxford Innovation (supports high-growth businesses)
• Royal Academy of Engineering (focus on engineering and technology innovation)
• Startup Wise Guys (accelerator with a focus on B2B startups)

To get the most accurate and up-to-date list, visit the UK government website dedicated to visa information, or directly consult the official endorsing bodies list for the Innovator Founder Visa. This list includes organisations authorised to evaluate your business plan and endorse your visa application based on innovation, scalability, and viability.

Looking to launch a company in the UK? Check out our guide to starting a business here