Finding Future Tech-Stars

The founders of fourteen shortlisted companies visited Southampton Science Park on 8th and 9th July to pitch for their place on the 2021 Catalyst business accelerator programme.

Applications were received from early-stage companies operating in both B2B and B2C environments, looking to take advantage of market opportunities in a diverse range of fields including biotherapeutics, energy, water treatment, packaging, satellites and surveillance.

Jane Holt, Business Development Manager at the Science Park and member of the judging panel for the pitch days, commented: “I’d like to thank every business founder who took the time to apply for Catalyst in what, I know, has been a difficult year for many early-stage businesses – it is testimony to their ambition and resilience that they remain keen to step-up their progress and I wish them all future success.

She continued: “I know I speak on behalf of all the judges when I say that we enjoyed working through all the applications and hearing presentations from the shortlisted businesses over the last couple of days. It’s certainly a challenge for us to decide which companies show the greatest commercial potential and will therefore be invited to join the programme here in September.”

Since it was established nine years ago, Catalyst has had a transformative impact for 65 companies. These companies have, between them, secured over £25m in funding and created 130 new jobs across the Solent region. While only 40% of UK start-ups survive the first three years of trading, an impressive 80% of Catalyst businesses have exceeded this timeframe and continue to grow.

To find out more about Catalyst or express an interest in next years’ programme, click here.