Global Talent & Innovator Founder Visas 101

An exclusive Startup Grind Aberdeen event featuring Fernanda Huerta, Global Talent Visa Programme Lead at Tech Nation; Scott Haughton, Founder and CEO of Envestors; and founders and professionals who have come to the UK through the Global Talent and Innovator Founder visas.

The UK is one of the world's leading destinations for innovation, entrepreneurship, research and technology. But how do exceptional professionals, researchers, founders and innovators successfully build their careers and companies here?

Join us for Global Talent & Innovator Founder Visas 101, an interactive session designed to demystify two important UK immigration pathways for ambitious individuals: the Global Talent Visa and the Innovator Founder Visa.

This event goes beyond the application process. Our speakers will share practical insights into what these routes are, who they are designed for, what assessors look for, common misconceptions and mistakes, and how applicants can position themselves for success.

Most importantly, past Global Talent and Innovator Founder Visa recipients will share their own experiences: what motivated them to apply, how they approached the process, the challenges they encountered, and what the visa has enabled them to do in the UK.

Speakers

Fernanda Huerta, Global Talent Visa Programme Lead, Tech Nation

Scott Haughton, Founder and CEO, Envestors

Andrea Rosales, PhD, Co-Founder, MosAIc (Global Talent Visa holder)

Luther Kington Nwobodo, CEO, Clean Energy Analytics (Global Talent Visa holder)

Siddhant Dhaware, Co-Founder, Fostrom (Innovator Founder Visa holder)

Arjun Bajaj, Co-Founder, Fostrom (Innovator Founder Visa holder)

Willem Baartman, Founder, Láidir. Circular Mobility (Innovator Founder Visa holder)

One-to-one immigration consultations

Alex Hood of Fragomen, one of the world's leading immigration firms, will be offering one-to-one consultations on the day. Bring the questions that are specific to your own situation.

What you'll learn

Understanding the Global Talent Visa and who it is designed for

Understanding the Innovator Founder Visa and its role in supporting entrepreneurial ventures

How the endorsement process works

What makes a strong application

What assessors look for, and common misconceptions

Common mistakes applicants make, and how to avoid them

How founders can position innovative businesses for endorsement and growth

Real experiences from Global Talent and Innovator Founder Visa holders

Opportunities within the UK's innovation, research and startup ecosystem

Who should attend?

University students and recent graduates

Researchers and academics

Startup founders and aspiring entrepreneurs

Technology professionals

Innovators and entrepreneurs looking to build or scale in the UK

Professionals considering the Global Talent route

Anyone interested in the UK's innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem

Whether you're considering your next career move, building a startup, pursuing research, or exploring how to establish yourself in the UK, this session will give you practical knowledge, real-world perspectives and valuable connections to help you take your next step with confidence.

Date: Wednesday 28 October 2026

Time: 1:00pm to 4:30pm

Venue: ONE Tech Hub, Schoolhill, Aberdeen AB10 1JQ

Tickets: Places are limited

This event is powered by ONE Tech Hub, in partnership with the University of Aberdeen, Robert Gordon University, Tech Nation and Envestors.