Eight Worcestershire technology entrepreneurs have begun their journey towards commercialisation after joining Cohort 8.0 of BetaDen’s ‘Accelerate’ programme.
The nine-month programme offers participating businesses a unique package of support to rapidly commercialise their innovations including mentoring, Proof of Concept grant, dedicated marketing fund, demo-day Showcase event, pitch readiness and coaching, free office space at Malvern Hills Science Park and access to BetaDen’s extensive network of partners, alumni and investors.
To date, BetaDen has supported over 50 innovative technology businesses in the county, whose innovations include world-first and game-changing technologies such as 5G at sea (Jet Connectivity), large-scale 3D concrete printing (ChangeMaker 3D) and voice-face fused recognition technology (FARx).
Graduates of the programme have so far supported over 210 jobs and raised over £507 million in funding.
The eight businesses joining Cohort 8.0 are:
DMA Technologies – an online conferencing and virtual exhibition platform (Worcester)
Garland Surgical – a medical device design and development company (Malvern)
HD Connectivity (uControl) – smart devices to make your everyday tech experiences at home better (Malvern)
Nonowrap – waste-reducing, smart reusable pallet strap technology (Malvern)
Sandfield Engineering – a solar-powered, air-operated pollution containment valve that prevents spillages from contaminating water systems (Wyre Forest)
Smart 90 – AI-powered business growth platform for accountants (Bromsgrove)
Split Second Research – neuroscience-based market research platform (Worcester)
Zone Manager – logistics planning and delivery management system (Redditch)
Donston Powell, director of external affairs at BetaDen, commented: “We are excited to welcome our latest cohort to BetaDen and work with them to take their innovations to the next level over the coming months.
“Our award-winning programme is designed to equip participants with the tools and support they need to accelerate the commercialisation of their products and we can’t wait to see what Cohort 8.0 will achieve.”
BetaDen recently announced Apogee Associates, Wynne-Jones IP, Jerroms and Higgs LLP as commercial partners for Cohort 8.0. Its specialist mentoring team also includes professionals selected for their expertise in blockchain and AI, entrepreneurial mindset, financial management, innovation grant funding, intellectual property, R&D tax credits, commercial law, strategic marketing, route to market and technology stack.