An electric vehicle subscription platform and a business developing wearable devices for the care of dementia patients are among five startups awarded a bursary to join a Bristol tech incubator.
The University of Bristol’s SETsquared Breakthrough Bursary supports ventures founded by entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds to join its programme through heavily subsidised membership.
The five inducted businesses will gain access to tailored support, mentoring, coaching and investment readiness training, as well as expertise at the university to help develop.
The bursary is now in its third year and is funded by SETsquared alumni. The initiative has supported 14 companies to date which have combined raised more than £1.4m.
Among the previous awardees of the bursary is University of Bristol healthtech spinout spinout FluoretiQ, which has developed a platform to diagnose bacterial infections quickly and cheaply. The business recently closed a £1.1m pre-series A investment round.
Neciah Dorh, co-founder and chief executive of FluoretiQ, said the bursary had enabled the business to refine its strategy and learn from a community of “amazing founders.”
SETsquared Bristol has incubated more than 300 companies to date, with more than £626m raised. It’s director Marty Reid welcomed the programme’s five startups. He said: “We are committed to promoting tech inclusivity to unlock innovation and support growth.”
SETsquared Bristol Breakthrough Bursary awardees for 2022
Gritty Talent
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Founded by Channel 4’s creative diversity lead Mel Rodrigues, Gritty Talent connects people from under-represented communities with decision-makers in the TV production industry through its app-based service.
Inclued AI
Joyann Boyce, founder and chief executive of Inclued AI, an inclusive marketing agency which seeks to remove unconscious bias from campaigns, said: “The startup journey can be a rollercoaster at the best of times but having expert advice and guidance can make all the difference to the success of a business.
“Receiving the Breakthrough Bursary and joining SETsquared is the guidance we need to make Inclued AI a success and we are thrilled to be part of the community.”
Meixter
A peer-to-peer live tutoring app and web platform for all types of skills at all levels, Meixter’s founder Alejandra Carreño Garzon, along with Gritty Talent’s Mel Rodrigues, took part in SETsquared Bristol’s Enterprising Women pre-incubation programme before applying for the bursary.
Milbotix
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Milbotix, which is developing wearable technologies for use in the care of older adults and people with dementia, originated as an idea from University of Bristol student Zeke Steer.
Mr Steer said: “Since being awarded the Breakthrough Bursary, the support we’ve received from SETsquared has been instrumental in shaping our investment proposition as we ratchet up our fundraising efforts.”
Voltric
Founded by University of Gloucestershire and UWE Bristol alumnus Julian Mensah, Voltric provides a subscription service for electric vehicles in a bid to make more environmentally friendly transport accessible for more people.
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