Here’s your weekly roundup of news about startup competitions, awards, accelerators, and any other exciting developments in the UK tech sector.
Startupbootcamp launches program in Dubai
Startupbootcamp has announced the launch of its Dubai-based Smart City program
The program will seek to accelerate 40 innovative startups working in the fields of IoT and connectivity, urban automation and smart transportation, open city data, sustainable cities and living, smart government, and smart retail.
Applications will be open to MENA based startups and startups from all over the world.
Startupbootcamp Smart City Dubai will provide the startups with office space. Startups will also get mentoring from high profile industry experts, access to corporate partners in addition to a US $20,000 capital investment, as well as access to Startupbootcamp’s global network of mentors, investors, and VCs.
The program is led by Todd OBrien. “We are thrilled to announce our first Smart City program in the region in a joint effort with the Dubai government and other local partners. We are excited to support the target of making Dubai the happiest city by 2021 through embracing innovation technology.
“Startupbootcamp has worldwide momentum, accelerating now over 420 startups in 19 different programs globally since 2010. We are working with startups who are really making the future better and we know Dubai will take us to a new level,” he added.
The application for Startupbootcamp Smart City Dubai is now open. Interested startups can apply here.
Deloitte UK Technology Fast 50 awards
Deloitte has announced that entries have now opened for the 2017 Deloitte UK Technology Fast 50 awards.
The awards rank and recognise the 50 fastest growing technology companies in the UK, based on the last four years of revenue growth.
David Cobb, lead partner for the Deloitte UK Technology Fast 50 programme, comments: “The UK technology startup scene is truly fascinating. For the last two decades the UK Technology Fast 50 Awards have celebrated hundreds of aspirational companies from across the technology landscape. This programme is a perfect crystal ball that offers a glimpse into what the future tech scene will look like in the UK.
“The class of 2017 will follow in the footsteps of last year’s winners, Brainlabs, and other illustrious alumni including the likes of WorldRemit, notonthehighstreet.com, Skyscanner and Just Eat. I would encourage technology startups to apply for what is an excellent opportunity for businesses to showcase their achievements.”
For full details and the entry form, visit: www.fast50.co.uk
Wales Technology Awards finalists
The finalists for this year’s Wales Technology Awards, powered by ESTnet, have been announced.
Shortlisted businesses and individuals will meet at the gala awards ceremony Wales Millennium Centre on 22nd June.
Commenting on the calibre of entries for the 2017 awards, Avril Lewis, managing director of the ESTnet, said: “The Wales Technology Awards stand to celebrate the vital contributions and successes of the circa 3,000 businesses and 40,000 people in Wales who represent our industry.
“The quality and volume of entries we received this year demonstrates what the ESTnet has known for many years; here in Wales we design, develop, manufacture and integrate some of the world’s most advanced enabling technologies that are driving and integral to the development of key market sectors.
“It is also clear that our sector is growing, and the dedicated work of the companies the ESTnet represents a true driving force for the Welsh economy and job creation. We are delighted to be joined by sponsors, including our headline partner, the Sony UK Technology Centre (UK TEC), to deliver an event that will recognise and promote their achievements.”
The finalists are as follows:
| Category | Finalists |
| Sir Michael Moritz Tech Startup Award | AMPLYFI
Boma Camp Byte IT Codeherent Ltd Digital Profile Properr Software Limited SamePage Group Ltd Talkative Ltd Wealthify |
| Technology Leader of the Year Award | Denise Powell, Open Innovation Manager at IQE
James Smith, Co-founder of DevOpsGuys Scott Burton, Technical Director of Zipporah |
| Innovative Product of the Year Award | GP Commissioning
ServiceTracker Symlconnect Vizolution Wales Interactive Wealthify |
| Best New Talent Award | Alina Griestaragiene from Infineon Technologies Newport Limited
Josh Brown from Method4 Kate Martin, from DevOpsGuys |
| Industry Trailblazer Award | Method4
National Software Academy Yard Digital |
| Best Tech Adopter Award | Barry Island Primary
Natural Resources Wales Ysgol Cae Top
|
Intu Accelerate opens for business
Intu is on the hunt for exciting startups to work with as part of its new innovation programme, intu Accelerate.
The incubation programme aims to develop young businesses with innovative ideas that will help shape the next big thing for the retail and leisure market.
During the 10 week programme, startups will receive mentorship and will get the chance to pilot and test their products whilst enjoying access to central London office space and potential investment.
David Fischel, intu chief executive, said: “Our business is moving at pace and, to help us answer many of the questions that face us and our industry, we’re looking for the smartest minds out there and the best talent we can find. We’re looking for businesses to work together with us to help achieve our purpose of making our customers smile and helping our retailers flourish.
“We have a history of spotting and introducing new ideas to the UK and through intu Accelerate we want to add a new level of drive and dynamism to the evolution of our shopping centre business, whether physical or digital. We’re also hoping to identify start-ups for potential investment which in turn will help us deliver a healthy return.”
Applications are now open until 2nd July – to apply for more information, go to intuaccelerate.co.uk
A new incubator
His Royal Highness the Duke of York opened Imperial College London’s new science and technology incubator in West London.
Located at the College’s White City Campus, the 18,000 sq ft incubator offers state-of-the-art laboratories, office space and conferencing facilities.
The incubator will seek to provide startups with business advice, mentoring and networking support. The facility forms part of the College’s Translation & Innovation Hub (I-HUB) – a flagship building at the campus managed by Imperial College ThinkSpace.
That’s all for today … see you next Friday!