University of Southampton Science Park’s Catalyst accelerator opens for entries

By Sam Pither

15 June 2022

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The University of Southampton Science Park’s business accelerator programme has opened applications for 2022.

Designed specifically for the South’s fledgling innovation-led science and technology companies, the Catalyst initiative has accelerated progress for 73 companies since its establishment. This has manifested in over £28m of funding, creating more than 160 jobs in the region.

Robin Chave, Southampton Science Park CEO, said: “Since its inception, Catalyst has been an enormous success for early-stage businesses. Only 40% of start-ups in the UK survive the first three years whereas an impressive 80% of Catalyst businesses continue to trade and go from strength to strength.”

Founders of Catalyst businesses benefit from:
•            A fully funded six-month programme of mentoring and workshop learning.
•            Retaining all equity in their companies as no stake is required to participate.
•            High-level one-to-one sessions with world-class business mentors.
•            Commercially focused weekly peer group workshops with subject experts.
•            Up to £5k funding injection courtesy of support from Hampshire County Council.
•            A prestigious Southampton Science Park business home throughout the programme.
•            Opportunities to network with Southampton Science Park’s innovation community.

Sergey Mikhalovsky of ANAMAD, a previous participant in the programme, said: “Catalyst far exceeded our expectations. It provided excellent advice on how to improve all aspects of the business, from sales/marketing, IP, to finding key people.

“It has been more varied than expected and has come at just the right time for us to implement learnings. The standard of workshops, mentoring, networking, business panels and engagement from the other businesses has been exceptional all round and, as expected, the Science Park facilities are excellent.”

Each year, the programme accepts a maximum of 10 companies. Applications can be made online until June 30 2022.

As reported in January, this year the programme benefits from an additional £100,000 in funding.

By Sam Pither

Sam is the Regional Editor of Biz News, responsible for both Hampshire and Dorset.

A new recruit to journalism, Sam started writing for the Business Magazine as a freelancer in May of 2022 after completing his degree in English at University College London. His passion for local businesses and ability to tell a story soon caught the attention of the publication’s management team and have led to his meteoric rise.

Sam, who lives in central Reading, takes a particular interest in technology, gaming and food and drink, having been a chef before starting his degree.