The Ignite pre-accelerator has officially launched its first programme since moving into Gateshead’s Proto building.
Twenty tech firms have been accepted on to the scheme, which aims to help entrepreneurs take an idea and turn it into a start-up business over the course of three months.
Ignite returned to the North East last year after running its programme at different sites around the 海角视频, including London and Manchester.
On its return the organisation set itself up at TusPark Newcastle but moved into Proto, which offers small tech firms access to cutting edge equipment, such as motion capture suites and virtual reality equipment.
Each of the businesses will also receive £15,000 of investment from the North East Innovation Fund, which is managed by Northstar Ventures, as well as office space at Proto.
Alexis Long, programme manager at Ignite, said: “At Proto they have fantastic facilities and it was a chance for us to connect with their network and a chance for those companies doing the programme to get access to that support. It was the right fit for us to move into that office.
“It gives them access to kit. Exploring virtual reality and augmented reality is a huge benefit for the 19 companies we have.”
While on the programme the entrepreneurs will be given access to a network of mentors and contacts who will work with them to direct their business ideas.
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A speed networking event will also take place to introduce the founders to a host of business leaders who can provide advice from a range of backgrounds.
Over the three months Ignite will also run other events, such as a hackathon - designed to get them in the mindset to build something quickly - and the programme’s own “start-up MBA”.
“At the end of the three months there will be a showcase where the companies will pitch in front of an audience,” added Mr Long, “and we are preparing them for that and for the time when they are no longer supported full-time by Ignite.”
Among the 19 tech companies that have taken a spot on the pre-accelerator is Wioh - which stands for World in our hands. The business was founded by former Royal Marine Stephen Burns as a way to help ex-forces personnel transition back into civilian life.
Mr Burns said: “I left Newcastle at the age of 16 to join the Royal Marines. To return to the North East some 20 years later with Wioh means the world to me. Wioh has a mission to uplift and inspire. What better place to start than home!
“Being part of the Ignite programme is a massive step for us to achieving mission success.”
North East pioneers and innovators
Another is firm taking part in the accelerator is Spareable , the company founded by Masitano Sichone which helps food banks manage their stock.
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Commenting on the Ignite programme’s move to Proto, Coun Malcolm Brain, cabinet member for the economy at Gateshead Council, said: “We are thrilled to have the Ignite programme come to Gateshead for the first time.
“It’s recognition of the growing community of tech specialists and start-ups based here and our real strength in immersive technology.
“The team have a proven record in providing the right support and mentoring needed by tech start-ups. This, combined with access to the latest kit and facilities at PROTO will hopefully enable the businesses on the programme to create new and innovative products and services.”
The companies taking part in the pre-accelerator are:
CMX Runway - a business management platform aimed at designers
Divify - a tech firm that allows firms to analyse data through cloud accounting platforms
Enrol.co.uk - a website allowing students to apply for colleges places and training
Housemates.io - a booking site for student accommodation
Howdee - a recruitment tool that takes unconscious bias out of the job application process
My Instructor - an online directory and booking service for driving instructors
Netminds - a platform connecting businesses with academics
Stellify Software - an online web development platform
Resio - a web-based recruitment site
Reveela - AI driven services that sends content to journalists for publication
Spareable - A stock management system for food banks
Veritent - an image search software designed for photographers
Virgo & Do - a direct to consumer home textiles brand
VisionPot - an online film production software
WellVest - a micro-savings app that helps users invest in their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing
Wioh Ltd - a company that uses workshops and tech to inspire its users, specifically veterans
Wurk - recruitment platform for start-ups
Wyndo - AI insurance broker software
Z4Industries - tech solutions for the tabletop industry