The Gamechangers programme was truly a one-of-a-kind experience. It gave me a deep understanding of the entire process and effort that goes into building a venture, from initial concept to execution. It enhanced my skills in areas I hadn't fully explored before, providing practical insights and hands-on experience in a supportive environment and safe space where we could openly share our ideas.
Qianran Sun, China and Globalization MSc student, Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy
18 August 2025
King's students reflect on a summer spent as Interns and Gamechangers
24 students from a widening participation background access paid opportunities to explore their entrepreneurial skills and ideas with King's Entrepreneurship Institute.
10 students participated in the Gamechangers programme, and 14 students gained internship experience in a start-up founded by King's students or alumni and developed through King's Start-up Accelerator.
Both programmes ran for nine weeks over the summer, culminating in a joint reflective presentation event, followed by networking. Each student was invited to share their experiences on the programme, including how they intend to use their new skills or experiences in their future career once graduating.
To be able to explore new skills through this internship, and build upon the skills you already have in such a supportive environment, is one of the most amazing opportunities you can get.
Yangan Yagol Xu Chen, Artificial Intelligence MSc student, Faculty of Natural, Mathematical and Engineering Sciences
Both programmes are open exclusively to current students from a widening participation background, who typically face barriers when accessing or engaging in entrepreneurial activities. The programmes are focused on supporting students to gain key experiences and skills for their CV to become future leaders and help them stand out in competitive job markets.
The entrepreneurial summer internships provide current King's students with the unique opportunity to gain first-hand experiences in a start-up. Roles can include marketing and communications, business strategy, research and analysis, product development and more. This year's ventures include Arthos AI, CarbonTag, Find Care Compare, The Kusp Hub, The Weird Gripper Company, and PharosAI - spanning HealthTech, EdTech, Sustainability, and Tech for Good.
This summer proved how talented and adaptable King’s students are. They stepped into roles across product, marketing, engineering and operations, and every one of them made a real difference. Ventures told us how much they appreciated their professionalism and hard work. Seeing the students present their progress and achievements at the showcase was very inspiring.
Olumide Aderinwale, Entrepreneurial Skills Officer, King's Entrepreneurship Institute, Internship Lead
It’s been a fantastic experience working with Yue over the past nine weeks. She made meaningful contributions to improving how we train models and source data more efficiently. Her input added real value, and she was a great addition to the team.
Immanuel Rajadurai, CTO, Arthos AI
The Gamechangers programme supports King's students to develop and launch an idea into the world. Created in 2023, the programme guides students through the process of starting a business, with access to workshops, sessions on the Seven Skills of an Entrepreneurial Mindset and mentoring from Experts-in-Residence. The idea could be a new business, not-for-profit or community project. This year's cohort developed ideas relating to environmental sustainability, community, and cybersecurity education.
As part of the experience, both cohorts are provided with expert workshops and social events to support them in making connections and developing key skills for the future including public speaking, disruptive thinking, and teamwork.
It is an amazing opportunity to support students who are passionate to grow their own ideas. Seeing students grow not just their ideas but also their confidence is inspirational. It is especially important to support students who may not have had a chance to explore entrepreneurship in a safe and supportive environment before.
Unsal Kaynak, Entrepreneurial Skills Officer, King's Entrepreneurship Institute, Gamechangers Lead
Both opportunities are paid above London Living Wage and are part of the EI's commitment to understanding and removing barriers to entrepreneurship, whilst enhancing students' employability and ability to positively impact the world.
To find out more:
- Visit the EI's Instagram page to read about the experiences of Gamechangers and Interns.
- Find out about similar upcoming opportunities by signing up to the EI's monthly newsletter.