BetaDen, Worcestershire’s pioneering tech accelerator, has introduced the first seven participants in its programme, covering diverse emerging tech industries such as healthcare, entertainment, sensors, and IoT security.
This initial cohort aims to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by businesses today, including data privacy and the UK’s productivity crisis. Participants will undergo a nine-month support programme at Malvern Hills Science Park to develop their ideas and prepare for market launch or to expedite the growth of their existing businesses.
Worcestershire is experiencing rapid economic growth, home to over 17,500 cyber and digital companies and on track to become the UK’s next significant technology hub. It also hosts the Worcestershire 5G Testbed, which advances manufacturing innovation in line with the Government’s Industry 4.0 initiative.
The selected companies for BetaDen’s first cohort include GBR14, a cybersecurity start-up focused on next-generation data protection and privacy technologies; Orth Oracle, a resource for practical information catering to both seasoned surgeons and those in training; and Shedeo, a gaming start-up set to release its first game in 2019. Also joining are Solution Spark, which leverages advances in image and video processing to drive innovation and productivity; Syndial, a blockchain firm developing a novel consensus algorithm for decentralised immutable ledgers; Titania, renowned for configuration analysis tools that protect over 27 million end users; and Worcester Scientific, a nano sensor start-up.
According to BetaDen founder and chief executive Linda Smith, ‘I’m delighted to announce our first cohort as a group of enterprising entrepreneurs, tech start-ups and individuals with inspiring ideas. Their new home will provide them with the support they need to accelerate their businesses to the next level and position them at the forefront of future technology opportunities.’
Mark Stansfeld, chair of the Worcestershire 5G Consortium, added, ‘The announcement of the first BetaDen cohort builds on the fantastic innovation already happening across the region. The newly launched accelerator at Malvern Hills Science Park, the Worcestershire 5G Testbed, and the recent Urban Connected Communities funding for the region all put the Midlands at the heart of digital transformation in the UK, making it the best place to do business and invest.’
Applications for the second cohort will open in early Spring 2019.
The introduction of BetaDen’s first cohort marks a significant milestone for Worcestershire’s ambition to become a leading technology hub in the UK, fostering innovation and supporting the growth of new businesses in the region.