Southampton catalyst on hunt for “inspirational” tech start-ups

UK business incubator Catalyst is calling for scientific or technology-led early-stage start-ups to apply for its 2016 programme.

Created by the University of Southampton Science Park, this is the fifth year for Catalyst which offers six months of free business coaching, seminars, residency at its Catalyst Centre and an equity-free £1,000 cash injection.

As well as the opportunity for follow-on funding, the programme will also give attendees to an entrepreneurial network and increased exposure. The six start-ups from the 2015 cohort went on to raise £700,000 in funding between them.

Applicants do not need to have a fully-fledged business, but must present a unique idea and display determination and business acumen

Peter Birkett, CEO of the University of Southampton Science Park and founder of Catalyst, commented: “My team and I look forward to welcoming the next set of inspirational entrepreneurs to the Science Park later this year and I would encourage all those with a science or technology-led business idea to get involved.”

Adam Kinf, 2015 catalyst winner, commented:

“I came into Catalyst with an idea that was just a few months old; I now have a solid value proposition, a great team and £400,000 worth of funding to push it to the next level. I’d encourage anyone thinking of taking the leap into entrepreneurship to apply to the Catalyst Programme today.”