Southampton: Catalyst calls on science and technology start-ups for 2016 programme

Applications are now open for the 2016 Catalyst Programme, one of the UK’s most respected business incubators.

Created by the University of Southampton Science Park, Catalyst is a unique opportunity for entrepreneurial spirits with scientific or technology-led early-stage businesses. Now in its fifth successful year, Catalyst delivers a unique formula to boost business growth potential including six months of free business coaching, seminars and residency in the Catalyst Centre, as well as access to an entrepreneurial network; £1,000 cash injection; and links to further funding. No equity is taken and winning start-ups will receive widespread exposure during their time in the programme.

Access to the Catalyst Programme is gained through a competitive process which begins online at www.catalystcentre.co.uk. Applicants need not have a fully-fledged business, but they must have a unique value proposition and the determination and business acumen to see it to fruition.

Peter Birkett, CEO of the University of Southampton Science Park and founder of Catalyst, commented: “We have come a long way since our initial idea for Catalyst back in 2012. Such is its success that we have invested in a new brand, designed to cement Catalyst’s position as a world-class business support programme. In 2015 the Catalyst Programme welcomed six entrepreneurs whose inspired ideas enabled them to raise over £700,000 in funding; their futures look very bright.”

He continued: “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 Kingdon, 2015 Catalyst winner and founder of Utonomy, commented: “Being part of the Catalyst Programme has propelled my business forward in a way I couldn’t have previously anticipated. Spending over six months embedded in a community of six determined start-ups, all with very different ideas but very similar goals has been absolutely brilliant.

"This, alongside the coaching I’ve received from mentor Phil Sharpe, the support of Peter Birkett and the relationships I’ve built with the wider Catalyst community, has proved invaluable. 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.”

For information and to apply, visit: www.catalystcentre.co.uk or call 023-8001-6199.