Worcestershire technology accelerator BetaDen has opened applications for Cohort 6.0 with the news that past members have secured millions of pounds worth of investment, created over 50 new jobs and are now delivering world-first innovations developed in Worcestershire to customers as far afield as Canada and South Africa.
The accelerator, which offers early-stage technology businesses a free programme of support worth £50,000 to accelerate their path towards commercial success, is unique in the sector as it is not aligned to any particular organisation and does not take a financial stake in cohort businesses.
Cohort founders have access to a proof of concept grant worth up to £10,000 (which can be used to fund a range of specialist services including product testing and certification, intellectual property and trademark advice, exhibition support, cloud-based services and infrastructure, research and technology development); marketing funding worth £2,000; free office space; specialist business mentoring; access to BetaDen’s extensive network of co-founders, advisers and investors; and access to the county’s 5G testbed operated by nexGworx.
Donston Powell, Marketing and Communications Manager at BetaDen, said: “We’re excited to launch our search for the next cohort of technology businesses to join the programme. Our focus is purely on helping early-stage technology businesses commercialise their offers [here in Worcestershire], enabling them to understand their target markets and develop their businesses to take advantage of emerging opportunities
“Since we launched in 2018, we have supported 30 businesses across a wide range of technologies – from cyber security and blockchain-driven innovations to autonomous vehicles, Industrial Internet of Things software and workplace wellbeing apps.
As well as helping businesses secure valuable partnerships and contracts with the likes of HS2, the MOD, Royal Mail and NHS, our founders repeatedly highlight the support and camaraderie provided by working closely with co-founders in non-competitive fields as one of the biggest benefits of the programme, with several cohort companies now working together on new innovations and opportunities arising from their shared networks and experiences.”
BetaDen Cohort 6.0 runs from September 2022 to March 2023, with participating companies attending Malvern Hills Science Park two days a week over the duration of the programme. Technology companies interested in accessing BetaDen’s unique package of support should complete the application form at www.beta-den.com/apply-now by 1st August 2022.