Local entrepreneurs receive £10,000 Innovate Uk funding

Five teams who took part in the programme have received £10,000 of Innovate UK funding. The funding will provide an opportunity for the winning teams to pursue their ideas and contribute to the thriving innovation ecosystem growing in the North West region.

Based at Catalyst Innovation Centre at Fort George, the Co-Founders cohort completed a part-time online programme one night a week for 16 weeks.

The programme helps people develop new product ideas focused on technology, engineering and science.

The five ideas which have secured funding include technology for medical student training, an innovative development for road’s cat’s eyes, a digital platform for golf caddies, a social fintech solution and a digital platform for exercise and wellbeing.

Lorraine Acheson, Innovate UK lead in the North, said: “Innovate UK has been delighted to work with Catalyst and support the Co-founders Programme in the North West. Stimulating innovation in every part of the UK is at heart of what we do and it’s been great to see such wide-ranging and exciting ideas being developed by the North West Co-founder teams”.

Elaine Smyth from Catalyst added: “The quality of both the teams formed and the ideas generated from the entrepreneurial talent in the North West has been incredible. The Co-Founders programme provides the unique opportunity for individuals who have dreamed of being entrepreneurs to have a go.

“It has been a privilege for Catalyst, with the support of Innovate UK, to deliver the programme in the NW and to contribute to the growth of innovation startups with the potential to grow and scale their businesses.”

The Co-Founders programme is currently open for applications for its Autumn cohort . Find out more at www.co-founders.co