Inside the vibrant ecosystem of the Phase One Incubator Programme at York Science Park, a new wave of innovation is quietly gaining momentum…

One standout name in this growing community is Exertion, a trailblazing platform determined to rewrite the future of early careers.

We sat down with Reece, co-founder of Exertion and an active member of our Phase One Incubator Programme, to find out more about the business, its mission, and why York Science Park has been such a powerful launchpad for their journey.

Empowering the Next Generation

“Talent is everywhere – but not everyone gets a fair shot” says Reece, reflecting on the foundational idea behind Exertion. Born out of personal experience, and insight gained through early consulting roles and recruitment challenges, Exertion was created to close the gap between young people brimming with potential and the employers eager to find them.

Exertion’s platform connects forward-thinking companies with a diverse pool of ambitious young startups and Gen Z talent, but with a crucial twist: they’ve thrown out the traditional CV. Instead, candidates build dynamic, human-centred profiles that showcase real skills, unique potential, and personality – no matter their background.

“Exertion is a platform that connects companies with a high-density pool of active, young talent – giving employers access to the brightest minds of the next generation.” Reece explains.

Exertion isn’t just helping employers futureproof their teams – it’s giving young people the visibility and tools they deserve. From micro-communities to world-class mentors and custom learning experiences, the platform is fast becoming a hub where young creators, coders, and career-changers can connect, grow, and be seen.

From Concept to Community with Phase One at York Science Park

Key to Exertion’s evolution has been its time within Phase One – our Business Incubator Programme. It’s here that the business found not just a space to work, but a community to thrive in. Reece was introduced to the York Science Park team through our partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs and has made so much use out of his time at the Incubator – connecting with the community, engaging with the workshops and soon, to be leading his own.

“The masterclasses and workshops have been a great way to pick up new skills, and see things from different perspectives.”

With York Science Park and Phase One located within the University of York campus, the proximity to its student population has also been a game-changer for Extertion.

“It puts us right in the heart of our core demographic. Every day, we’re surrounded by the exact audience we’re building for… having York Sport so close and the discounted rate for being part of York Science Park has made it much easier to stay active and look after both physical and mental wellbeing alongside the demands of growing the business too.”

Small Wins, Big Milestones

Though still in its early stages, Exertion is already celebrating meaningful milestones – from acceptance into the Google Cloud Startup Programme to landing its first 100 candidates and receiving letters of intent (LOIs) from major companies.

“These might seem like small steps from the outside, but each one has been a milestone that’s helped shape the foundation of Exertion – and we’re only just getting started…”

Looking Ahead

With momentum building and the team behind Exertion more determined than ever, Reece is optimistic about the road ahead. 

And being based at the thriving innovation hub that is York Science Park, it’s clear that Exertion has found the perfect environment to do just that.

If you’re interested in being a part of our Phase One Incubator, find out more and how to apply on our website.