Tech start-ups from Northern England are set to present their innovative business ideas as Pitch@Palace arrives in Oldham. This prestigious event offers entrepreneurs the invaluable opportunity to connect with industry leaders and the Duke of York, aiming to propel their ventures to new heights.
Hosted at Open Future_ North in Oldham, facilitated by Wayra UK, this event promises a platform for revolutionary ideas in areas such as autonomous vehicles and material sustainability. Attendees and participants alike are poised to witness first-hand, the innovation set to redefine industry standards.
A Platform for Future Innovators
Pitch@Palace is renowned for providing entrepreneurs with a stage to not only present their ideas but to network with influential figures. The arrival in Oldham marks an expansion of this initiative, enabling a new wave of tech start-ups from the North of England to gain crucial exposure. This event is a pivotal opportunity for companies seeking to make their mark in the tech sector.
During the event, each entrepreneur will get the chance to impress a high-profile audience including CEOs, influencers, and potential mentors. The winners will advance to the Boot Camp, which offers extensive support and development opportunities, preparing them for the ultimate goal at Pitch@Palace 8.0.
The theme ‘The Future of Mobility and Materials’ focuses on cutting-edge sectors including new materials and autonomous vehicles. Entrepreneurs will delve into topics like sustainability, and connectivity, echoing global demands for innovative solutions.
Oldham’s Emerging Tech Hub
A significant spotlight is cast on Oldham as it hosts this event at Open Future_ North, a new tech accelerator operated by Wayra UK, part of Telefónica Open Future_. This accelerator is specifically tailored to scale young digital businesses within Greater Manchester.
Prince Andrew expressed his enthusiasm for Pitch@Palace’s Northward journey, aspiring for it to foster a supportive ecosystem for start-ups. “I am delighted to bring Pitch@Palace On Tour to Oldham,” he stated, underlining the strategic intent to nurture entrepreneurial talent and innovation.The accelerator aims to be a catalyst for economic growth and job creation.
Success Stories and Alumni
Since its inception in 2014, Pitch@Palace has supported over 400 companies, with notable success stories.
Among these is Yoyo Wallet, a start-up that thrived through Wayra UK’s program, recently securing $12m in Series B funding. This demonstrates the potential impact and reach that the pitch can offer successful companies, setting a precedent for innovation and success.
Successful alumni continue to inspire current participants, showcasing the opportunities a successful pitch could unlock in terms of investment and expansion efficiently.
Strategic Economic Investments
Open Future_ North represents a crucial £1 million investment by Oldham Council, dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship within the town’s Independent Quarter. The hub is designed to cultivate and advance scalable tech enterprises.
By supporting up to seven start-ups annually via the Wayra Fair By Design programme, it addresses social challenges like the poverty premium, aiming to make significant strides in improving everyday life for disadvantaged communities.
Empowering the Next Generation
The overarching goal of Pitch@Palace is to empower young entrepreneurs by granting unprecedented access to influential networks and potential funding sources. The event brings focus on groundbreaking projects with potential to transform industries like transport and materials science.
Participants are urged to critically address topics such as recycling, human and social impact, and explore 5G connectivity solutions, aligning their innovation with future societal needs.
The path to success requires continuous growth and adaptation, with Pitch@Palace providing pivotal opportunities for learning and expansion, aligning with global technological advancements.
Nurturing a Culture of Innovation
Gary Stewart, Director of Wayra UK, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, emphasising that the initiative is among the UK’s leading efforts to bolster start-ups. Such initiatives cement Oldham’s place on the innovation map.
Stewart articulated the value of hosting such events, asserting that exposure at Pitch@Palace can catapult businesses to the next developmental stages, reinforcing the importance of regional support for budding entrepreneurs.
Continuous Innovation Ahead
As Pitch@Palace continues to evolve, its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation remains steadfast. The programme’s expansion into Oldham reflects a long-term vision of geographic diversity in tech growth.
The convergence of entrepreneurial spirit and strategic support at Pitch@Palace in Oldham heralds a new era for local and regional innovation. By providing an influential platform, the event not only highlights but accelerates the journeys of emerging tech businesses. Oldham stands poised to become a beacon of technological progress and innovation.