Skip to content

Start-up Day is back for 2026

Turn your bright idea into a thriving venture with the Business & IP Centre. Come with an idea, leave with a plan!

A woman in a theatre holds a red mic at a British Library start-up day.

Ready to turn your idea into a business?

Date

Tuesday 24 November 2026

Location

The British Library’s Knowledge Centre & participating BIPC’s Nationwide.

Got a brilliant business idea you’re wanting to get off the ground? Start-up Day is back for 2026 to give you the knowledge, connection and inspiration you need to launch with confidence.

Join us for a full day of practical, jargon-free sessions, expert insights and networking at the British Library’s Business & IP Centre.

Come with an idea, and you’ll leave with a plan!

Event agenda

8.30 – 9.00

Arrivals and registrations

Tea and coffee will be served

9.00 – 9.15

Welcome to Start–up Day 2026

9.15 – 10.00

How to understand today’s customers and key market trends (with Q&A)

10.00 – 10.10

Looking back at Global Entrepreneurship Week 2026 and GEN going forward

10.10 – 10.45

How start–ups can build a brand using collabs

10.45 – 11.40

How to start up and what I wish I’d known – Start–up Stars special (with Q&A)

11.40 – 12.05

How to build a business using the power of AI in 2026

12.05 – 12.25

Morning wrap–up

12.25 – 13.15

LUNCH

13.15 – 13.25

Welcome back

13.25 – 14.10

How to build a 7–figure business starting from your kitchen table (with Q&A)

14.10 – 14.50

How to protect your business idea with IP

14.50 – 15.10

Break

Tea and coffee will be served

15.10 – 16.00

How to finance your start–up (with Q&A)

16.00 – 17.30

In conversation with a fashion designer (with Q&A)

17.30 – 18.00

Closing address

18.00 – 19.00

Networking

More details coming soon!

*Speakers and sessions are subject to change.

Find a Start-up Day event near you

Can’t make it to the British Library in London?

Start-up Day 2026 is streaming live and hosting interactive local events across our National Network.

Details of your nearest participating BIPC Library coming soon.

BIPC network map with entrepreneurs.

Want to know more about Start-up Day?

See what makes our flagship event so unique, learn how we support new founders all year round, and find out how Start-up Day can help you at any stage of your business journey.

Contact us

Address
Business & IP Centre (BIPC)
Floor 1, The British Library
96 Euston Road
London NW1 2DB

Or find your local business centre.

Phone 0207 412 7454

Email bipc@bl.uk

Instagram @businessandipcentre

LinkedIn @Business & IP Centre

Ideas and inspiration sent directly to your inbox

Join our mailing list to keep up to date with Library news and events.

By clicking 'Sign up' you agree that you wish to regularly receive news and update emails from the British Library. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy for more information.

If you encounter any problems subscribing please contact us.