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
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 recent graduates and final year home students based in South London. 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.
Limited places.
Delivered by
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.
Supported by
Working in partnership with
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.
EY Foundation
An independent charity that helps young people from disadvantaged backgrounds build the skills and confidence to succeed in work and life.
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.
01
Engage with real employers
Direct connections and live feedback from major industry partners throughout the programme.
02
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.
03
Get coached and mentored
Studio Zao coaches in the room full-time, plus feedback from industry mentors throughout.
04
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
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
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~15 May 2026Expressions of interest openRegister your interest and we'll be in touch with next steps.
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2 June 2026Applications openThe full application form goes live. Fill it in to secure your place.
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~8 June 2026Screening processShortlisted applicants will be invited to a brief screening call. Final cohort selection follows shortly after.
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22 June 2026Programme beginsDay one at Peabody Workspace, Clapham Junction.
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9 July 2026Showcase DayWaterloo. Teams pitch to partners and London employers.
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10 July 2026Programme endsPersonal action planning day. Digital badges awarded via Navigatr.
05 Showcase Day
Thursday 9 July 2026
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.
Sounds like your kind of thing? Let us know.
Fill in the application form and we'll be in touch with everything you need to know.
Have a question or want a quick chat? keona@studiozao.com — happy to jump on a 15-minute call.