Soton Science Park bids farewell to Catalyst graduates and calls for new cohort

Published by

Daniel Face

The outgoing Catalyst 23/24 cohort

The 2023/24 business accelerator programme at Southampton Science Park has now drawn to a close, following final pitch presentations from the outgoing cohort.

Catalyst is the park’s primary business support programme for startups and early-stage companies with innovative concepts.

Among the latest participants were BirthGlide, a medical device to improve outcomes for mothers in cases of prolonged second stage labour, and VapeGuardian, a smart vaping detection system for schools and businesses.

Simon Hassett, founder of VapeGuardian, said: “I managed to take a lot from the Catalyst experience, and I put this down to the relationships made on the journey and the flexibility of my mentor.

“I’ve built some lasting business relationships, and having a mentor to meet regularly was an excellent way to discuss issues and decisions that I would have previously handled alone.

“The business review panel is an excellent crescendo to the course and the feedback from experts was invaluable.

“And the park is an inspirational and aspirational location.”

Southampton Science Park is now welcoming applications for the next Catalyst programme, commencing in September 2024.

The scheme is open to founders of early-stage digital, technology or science-based businesses.

It’s fully funded via Test Valley Borough Council through the UK government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

To apply, visit the Southampton Science Park site.

Daniel Face

Born and raised in Berkshire, Dan fell into journalism after completing his bachelor’s degree in English at UCL. Writing for The Business Magazine and local Biz News sites has given him the opportunity to chat with all manner of small business owners and share their success stories with a wider audience. Outside of work, Dan enjoys live music, board games and quiz shows, and is making a slow but persistent effort to learn Spanish.