BetaDen, the commercial technology accelerator based alongside one of the country’s first 5G testbeds in Worcestershire, has opened applications for the fifth cohort of businesses to join the programme.
The accelerator offers early-stage technology businesses a programme of support worth £50,000 over nine months to accelerate their route to market. This includes proof of concept grant worth £7,500, free office space, specialist business mentoring and access to a 5G test and evaluation package delivered by IIoT firm nexGworx.
As well as supporting entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses, BetaDen also provides a space in which established organisations can develop tech-related R&D activities.
Linda Smith, founder and CEO of BetaDen, said: “We’re really excited to open applications to join BetaDen Cohort 5.0. Since the first cohort joined the programme three years ago this month, we’ve supported 30 early-stage technology businesses, awarding over £750,000 in grant funding and raising over half a million pounds in investment.
“Most importantly, cohort businesses have secured contracts and delivered pilot projects for a variety of industry-leading organisations, including HS2, the NHS, RoyalMail and NetworkRail, delivering real tech-based solutions for real-world problems and accelerating their route to market.”
BetaDen added unlike many accelerators, it does not take equity in cohort businesses and is not aligned to any individual academic institution or government programme. This enables cohort members to focus on the acceleration of real-world commercial needs.
Recent cohort members have launched a range of technologies; from blockchain-based verification and registry services to biometric services, cyber security applications, sensor-based construction-site safety systems, environmental performance monitoring, 5G at Sea networks, automated vehicle software, and Industry 4.0-enabling technologies.
Applications close on 30 November 2021 with Cohort 5 businesses expected to join the programme in January 2022.
