Who can apply?
Anyone with an idea, a startup, or the ambition to build software — students, professionals, career changers and existing founders. The Incubator suits founders at idea, prototype or early-traction stage; five are selected each cohort. The development programme suits aspiring engineers who can commit to building weekly.
Do I have to be a Christian?
TELS is explicitly faith-rooted: devotions, prayer and an Encounter Weekend are part of the experience. You do not need to be a member of New Covenant Church Manchester, and people exploring faith are genuinely welcome — but you should expect the spiritual formation to be central rather than optional.
When do the programmes run?
TELS Summit 2027 is on Saturday 27 March 2027, 10:00am to 5:00pm, at 1 Matthews Lane, Levenshulme, Manchester M12 4QW — registration is open. The Incubator's second cohort runs 2 September to 4 October 2026 at 30 Princes Street, Stockport, closing with Demo Day. Applications close 31 July 2026. The Software & Web Development Training is a one-week intensive, 14 to 18 June 2027.
What is the weekly commitment?
Sessions run Wednesdays online and Saturdays in person, plus a weekly day of fasting and prayer, strategic site visits and the Encounter Weekend. Expect 10 to 15 hours a week including implementation work.
Where does it take place?
The Summit is held at 1 Matthews Lane, Levenshulme, Manchester M12 4QW. Incubator sessions and Demo Day are at 30 Princes Street, Stockport SK1 1SE, with online participation for parts of the programme.
What does it cost?
Nothing upfront. The programme is funded by the church and its sponsors. In place of fees, selected startups pledge 1% equity to the organisation and 1% to the cohort volunteers.
Do you take equity?
Yes, but no cash. Selected startups pledge 1% equity to the organisation for economic strengthening, and a further 1% distributed among the cohort volunteers. There are no upfront fees — the structure keeps the programme accessible and means you contribute back to the ecosystem as the business grows.
Can international founders take part?
Yes. Cohort 1 included founders connected across the UK and Nigeria. Some sessions are delivered online, though the Encounter Weekend and Demo Day on 3 and 4 October 2026 are in person.
What happens after Demo Day?
Founders join the alumni community — continued mentorship, pitch practice, collaboration and support with accelerator applications. Cohort 1 startups were matched with target programmes including Y Combinator, Techstars, Seedcamp, Antler, Google for Startups, MassChallenge and EIT.
I missed Summit 2026 — can I still catch up?
Yes. Every 2026 session is published in full in the Watch section above. Summit 2026 sold out, so if you want a seat on 27 March 2027 it is worth registering early.
Can I speak at a future Summit?
We build each lineup around operators who have built at scale and practitioners who can hand a skill over in a single session. Send a short note on what you would teach to info@nccmanchester.com.
How do I register?
Summit 2027 registration is at nccmanchester.com/tels/summit. Incubator applications are at nccmanchester.com/tels_incubator. Applications for each cohort close before the first session.
