FuelRCA Launchpad for Start-Ups
The FuelRCA launchpad for Start-Ups provides an opportunity for a selection of the best very early-stage design-led Start-Ups to receive intense early business plan training to be more prepared to pitch to investors.

Each year students with compelling innovative design-led business ideas are selected and receive business plan training via the college's FuelRCA programme over a three-week period. Pilot Start-Ups events in 2010/11 saw student-led enterprises successfully pitch a range of business ideas to angel investors.

Application to FuelRCA's Launchpad for Start-Ups is via the Selected Works Programme.

Examples include Fodiz and AnanasAnam:

• Fodiz is developing a range of innovative stackable furniture starting with a chair (pictured above). The chair has an easy and intuitive way of folding and unfolding and its design overcomes the main disadvantage of existing folding chairs which are too high and cumbersome to be carried easily. Fodiz entrepreneur, Yuan-Chun Lin, says 'my designs approach results in slimmer, lighter, more space saving and much more user-friendly products.' At the time of writing Fodiz is in negotiation with interested parties.
  See film of Fodiz
  Further information here (PDF 549KB)
• AnanasAnam is developing a new alternative to leather using natural fibres extracted from the waste leaves of pineapple plants (pictured above right). The AnanasAnam material represents the first sustainable attractive alternative to leather and will be used for fashion bags, footwear and furnishings and other future applications. The venture was founded by by social entrepreneur and designer, Carmen Hijosa, who has a strong track record in design and manufacture of luxury leather goods (key retail outlets include Harrods and Liberties in London). Carmen is currently finalising the development of this new material at the RCA. Samples of the leather alternative, which is at the pre-manufacture stage of development, can be produced in a range of colours,thicknesses and finishes with pleasant tactile surfaces, making it a highly appealing alternative to leather alternatives currently on the market.
• Further information here (PDF 1.7MB)

A selection of early stage design-led businesses founded by RCA graduates:

• Concrete Canvas, spun out of the RCA in 2006 supplying a range of products and services to the MOD including rapidly deployable hardened shelters for emergency relief
• StickSafe Ltd, spun out of the RCA in 2009 to commercialise NHS PASA-approved hospital products which prevent needlestick injury
• Made in Mind compact 3-pin plugs by RCA graduate and innovator, Min-Kyu Choi
• Kranium Headwear, a company developing and commercialising innovative protective headwear.

For further information on any of the projects contact InnovationRCA