Software firm Zeetta Networks is among the first start-ups selected for the Telecoms Infra Project programme backed by BT and Facebook.
TIP aims to transform connectivity around the world through innovative network infrastructure technologies challenging the traditional approach to deploying global telecoms.
The company is one of three UK-based SME winners: fellow Bristol-based business KETS Quantum and London-headquartered Unmanned Life were also selected at a launch event at London’s iconic BT tower.
The initiative grants the companies access to a pool of over £125 million in venture capital, as well as support from tech giants Facebook and BT plus another 400 telecommunications companies including EE, Deutsche Telekom, Nokia, Intel and SK Telecom.
The BT TEAC (Telecoms Ecosystem Acceleration Centre) is located in London’s Tech City and Adastral Park.
“We are very pleased that Zeetta Networks’ technology has been recognised by global tech giants as offering the solid potential to meet global challenges in telecom infrastructure,” said Zeetta Networks CEO Vassilis Seferidis.
“This is a major achievement for Zeetta and opens up tremendous business opportunities to work with Tier 1 Telcos and Facebook to further validate our technology and our capability in tackling challenging networking problems with innovative solutions.”
Zeetta was among seven companies shortlisted from a list of 60 across the UK and Europe and pitched to a panel of experts from BT, Deutsche Telekom, Facebook, and Orange at the BT Tower.
The winners were selected for their potential to increase connectivity in isolated areas, improve network user experience and lower network costs.
Howard Watson, CEO of BT technology, service and operations, said: “It’s more important than ever before that we seek expertise not only from our home-grown talent and established partners, but also from newly created small businesses.
“By bringing innovative SMEs like Zeetta Networks to our ecosystem and helping them to grow, to scale up, and access the funding they need to develop even more successful businesses, we’re supporting the development of technologies that have the potential to tackle some of our society’s biggest challenges around connectivity, around security, and accessibility of digital services.”