Startup Accelerator finalists compete for £80,000 prize pool

The event is funded by the Scottish Government, the Scottish Funding Council, and Opportunity North East through the Economic Recovery and Skills Fund (NEERSF).

Jennifer Craw, chief executive of ONE, said: “Since being launched in 2019, the Accelerator programme has successfully supported more than 56 early-stage innovators, helping them to develop their entrepreneurial ventures into fully fledged startups.

“The additional seed funding and cash prizes provided by Opportunity North East via NEERSF will support more high-potential businesses to deliver on their ambitions and create a greater impact for the region.”

The RGU Regional Startup Accelerator is a five month programme of training, mentorship and support including access to £5,000 funding each. Previous participants have gone on to raise over £1.6 million in investment, hire staff and win national awards.

Chris Moule, Head of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at RGU said: “The Regional Startup Accelerator programme advances RGU's vision of being an innovative and impactful university that can drive economic growth and contribute to the social and cultural fabric of the region.

"The annual showcase poses the unique opportunity for the audience to get inspired by the creative minds of our region and to network with experts from several business fields, such as clean energy and technology.”

The startup teams will have the opportunity to win several prizes during the event from the prize pot of £80,000 available with the winners decided by an esteemed panel of industry judges including Jen Scott, Senior Digital Development Manager at Opportunity North East. Categories include:

• Innovation Impact
• Climate Impact
• Regional Impact
• Audience Choice
• Showcase Video
• Showcase Experience
• Recognition

The Showcase will take place in a hybrid format with both online and in-person audiences on 12 May 2022, starting at 6pm. Anyone interested in joining can participate online and gain first-hand insights into the most innovative ideas from start-ups in the region, while also having the opportunity to communicate and share their opinions.

Register here https://innovationrgu.typeform...