Build, test and strengthen your idea.
Co-builders is Catalyst’s early-stage innovation programme for people who want to explore a problem, validate an idea and develop a viable route to market.
Co-builders is Catalyst’s early-stage innovation programme for people who want to explore a problem, validate an idea and begin developing a viable route to market.
Participants follow a structured, evidence-led process based on Disciplined Entrepreneurship. Through practical learning, customer research, workshops, coaching and specialist support, they test their assumptions and make informed decisions about what to do next.
Turn an early idea into something you can test.
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Tell us about the problem or idea you want to explore.
Complete a short application
Explain what you're interested in testing
Share what you hope to achieve through Co-builders
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Clarify the customer problem and identify the assumptions you need to test.
Define the challenge you're addressing
Identify potential customers
Map the key questions you need answered
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Learn how to approach venture development using Disciplined Entrepreneurship.
Attend core programme sessions
Learn practical validation tools
Build a structured approach to testing ideas
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Gather evidence from real customers and stakeholders.
Conduct customer interviews
Test assumptions with real people
Use evidence to refine your thinking
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Show what you've learned and how your idea has evolved.
Present findings and insights
Reflect on what worked and what didn't
Identify your next steps
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Participants who engage with the process and provide evidence may access further support.
Coaching and specialist expertise
Relevant introductions and connections
Opportunities for further venture support
From idea to evidence
Explore Co-builders
Participants receive practical support, training and guidance throughout the programme to help them test assumptions, build evidence and make informed decisions.
Expert support
Practical tools
Peer network
Is Co-builders for you?
Co-builders is for people who want to turn a problem or early-stage idea into something clearer, stronger and backed by evidence.
01
You have an idea to explore
Something you want to test, develop or take further.
02
You're ready to test your thinking
You're open to challenging assumptions and learning what customers need.
03
You're ready to put in the work
You can attend sessions, complete practical work and demonstrate progress.
You don't need to have it all figured out.
You don't need a registered company, finished product, business plan or previous startup experience to apply.
Not the right fit?
Co-builders is built around participation, practical work and testing your thinking with real people.
Drop-in
This isn't an always-on or self-directed programme. You'll follow a structured cohort journey.
Time
You'll need to attend the required sessions and make time for practical work between them.
Evidence
Customer research and testing are central to the programme. You'll need to be willing to challenge your assumptions.