亚博体育官网

Across the past three years, the Accelerator programme has supported more than 56 early-stage ventures, which have gone on to hire staff, win national awards, and generate more than 拢1.6 million worth of economic impact. 

The top winning start-ups鈥攅ach receiving a total of 拢25,000 in funding鈥攚ere Alexandra Spencer and Ashley Barr for their Kitchen Integrated Fire Suppression System (KIFSS) business, and Lasse and Elliott Martens for Two Raccoons Winery. 

Elliott from  said: 鈥淲e are still in disbelief! Seeing Two Raccoons being recognized at this level by both the judges and the audience was an incredibly gratifying moment. This accelerator had already given us so much: mentorship, network, and priceless business guidance. So, winning both the regional impact and audience award that night felt absolutely bananas! 

"Aside from preventing tonnes of good fruit surplus from being thrown away, we believe our wine is the ideal way to open up the conversation around food waste and break down the massive taboo that surrounds this topic.鈥�

Alexandra from KIFSS said: 鈥淲e are still reeling, shell-shocked, and incredibly grateful for the honour. We aim to do 亚博体育官网, the Innovation team, and the North East proud! 

鈥淥ur ambition and what we want our company to achieve is to bring people peace of mind by providing them with safety in their own homes. We hope this will lift the regional economy in the North East of Scotland by working with local suppliers as well as reduce strain on the fire services.鈥� 

It was the fourth year of the programme鈥檚 existence; however, it was the first year in which 亚博体育官网's Accelerator was open to anyone from across the wider North East region鈥攂eyond 亚博体育官网鈥檚 community of staff, students, and alumni鈥攚ith more than 190 teams applying to take part. 

36 teams were selected to take part in the main Accelerator programme, who gained access to seed funding, mentorship, and five months of training, culminating in the final Startup Showcase. This year's start-up ideas ranged from climate-friendly drink products to innovative AI technology platforms and Virtual Reality edtech, all of which aim to transform industries while positively impacting local communities. 

During the final showcase, the live audience took an active role and voted for their favourite business ideas鈥攁s well as awarded cash prizes. Those participating online also gained first-hand insights into the most innovative ideas of various industries, while also having the opportunity to share their opinions. The .

Chris Moule, Head of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at 亚博体育官网 says: "The annual showcase was a unique opportunity for the audience to celebrate entrepreneurship and be inspired by the innovation taking place across our region and to network with experts in areas, such as clean tech and food and drink. 

鈥淭he Regional Startup Accelerator programme advances 亚博体育官网'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 regional accelerator and showcase event are funded by the Scottish Government, the Scottish Funding Council, and Opportunity North East through the North East Economic Recovery and Skills Fund (NEERSF).  

亚博体育官网's Startup Accelerator is delivered by the award-winning Entrepreneurship & Innovation Group, a dedicated team of practitioners that the University has funded to support 亚博体育官网鈥檚 aims of economic, social, and cultural development.