You have applied. Here is exactly what happens from this point—and when.
Founding sprint—what to expect after you apply.
Within 2 working days
Acknowledgement
You will receive an email confirming that your application has been received and is in the queue for review. If you do not receive this email within 48 hours of submitting, check your spam folder and then contact us.
Within 10 working days
Review
Every application is read in full. We are not running it through a keyword filter or an automated scoring system. A human being reads what you have written and makes a judgment about whether you are right for the role.
We are looking for three things: evidence that you can do the job, honesty about where you are right now, and a clear sense of why this is the right moment for you. A polished application that says all the right things but feels hollow will not get through. A less polished application that is specific, honest, and convincing will.
You will hear from us—either way—within 10 working days of submitting.
Shortlist
The 30-minute call
If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to a 30-minute video call. This is not a formal interview with a panel and a marking scheme. It is a conversation between people who are trying to work out whether the fit is right.
We will ask you about your application—to expand on things that interested us and clarify things that were not clear. We will tell you more about where EmergIT is right now and what the founding sprint actually involves week to week. And you will have the chance to ask us anything you want to know.
If you are not shortlisted, we will tell you that directly and give you a brief reason why. We do not send generic rejection emails.
Within 5 working days of the call
Decision
Offers are made within five working days of the shortlist call. If you receive an offer, you will have five working days to accept or decline. We will not pressure you. We will answer any questions you have. And if you accept, onboarding begins within two weeks.
Onboarding
Once all five founding co-founders are confirmed, the sprint begins with a structured two-week onboarding period. This covers: how the founding team works together, tools and platform access, the sprint goals and milestones, and individual workstream kick-offs. Ian Rea will be involved throughout.
The sprint clock starts when onboarding is complete.
Autumn 2026 programme—what to expect after you register.
Immediately
Confirmation
You will receive an email confirming your registration. Hold on to it. It is your record that you are in the queue.
As we near Autumn 2026
Updates
We will send occasional updates as the programme develops—when the founding sprint team is confirmed, when the platform is live, when the grant is secured, and when the application window is confirmed. We will not flood your inbox. Every email we send will contain something worth reading.
When applications open
Your notification
You will receive an email the moment Autumn 2026 applications open. Registered graduates get early access—applications open to the general public 48 hours after registered graduates are notified.
That is the only advantage registration gives you. It is a meaningful one. The first cohort will be small, and places will be limited.
The application
When it opens
The full programme application asks four questions and takes less than 30 minutes. You will be asked about your degree, your current situation, your business idea, and your motivation. You do not need to prepare extensively. You need to be honest and specific.
What would you like to do next?
Whether you want to revisit how the programme works or get in touch with a question, you can take the next step below. If something is unclear, we would rather you asked than guessed.