Commercialising great ideas
Southampton Science Park hosted selection days for this year’s Catalyst business accelerator programme on 23rd and 27th July. Here, founders of the shortlisted companies enthusiastically pitched their ideas and aspirations for a place on the prestigious scheme designed for early stage science and technology businesses.
Robin Chave, Chief Executive Officer of the Science Park and one of the judges, commented: “Along with my colleagues on the selection panel, I was delighted with both the quantity and quality of response to our call for applications for this year’s Catalyst programme. I’d like to thank everyone who applied for their interest in participating.
“Of course, it is disappointing not to be able to support all the entrepreneurs who wished to take part but, as with all competitive processes, some hard decisions have to be made. This is particularly challenging this year because the quality of businesses applying was stronger than ever. This clearly signifies that, despite an uncertain financial climate, there’s no shortage of innovative business ideas and driven entrepreneurs here in the South of England. I believe it is also testimony to the obvious reputation that the Catalyst Centre has as a business accelerator.”
The judges are making their final decisions this week, with the chosen companies set to receive invitations to participate imminently. We will be profiling participant companies here on the Science Park news page once the programme commences in September.
Nearly 60 companies have benefited from Southampton Science Park’s Catalyst business accelerator programme over the last eight years. These companies have raised over £15 million in grants and investments with many primed for substantial growth.
To find out more or to express an interest in the next programme, click here.
