- Leading Welsh innovation hub, Tramshed Tech, secures funding to boost tech projects
- Introducing new initiatives in 2024 to support student spinouts and creative tech projects in Wales
- Programs aim to accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship, funded by Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
- Convergent Content Scaler offers a 12-week program for scaling creative tech projects, with support from various partners
- UniVentures is a 16-week virtual incubator supporting student startups from Welsh universities, prioritizing traction and providing access to mentors and investors
Empowering Innovation in Wales with Tramshed Tech’s Funding Boost
In a significant development for the Welsh tech scene, a leading Welsh innovation hub has secured funding to bolster tech projects across the region. Tramshed Tech, renowned for its successful GreenTech and Convergent Content programmes, is introducing two new initiatives aimed at supporting student spinouts and creative tech endeavors in Wales in 2024. This funding, part of the Barclays Eagle Labs Ecosystem Partnership Programme and backed by the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, is set to catalyze innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the country.
Introducing the Convergent Content Scaler Programme
One of the flagship offerings under this funding is the Convergent Content Scaler programme. Tailored as a 12-week initiative, this program is designed to assist companies in scaling up their creative tech projects, particularly in areas such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), interactive media production, and game design. Participants in this program will have access to a range of resources and support mechanisms, including weekly workshops, meet-the-funder sessions, peer-to-peer networking, and coaching sessions covering various crucial aspects like strategic partnerships, financial management, IP protection, fundraising, and diversity and inclusion.
Sophie Webber, the Innovation & Partnerships Manager at Tramshed Tech, emphasized the significance of creative industries and student spinouts in Wales. She highlighted that the Convergent Content Scaler aims to empower innovators to expand their immersive tech projects and foster connections with key stakeholders in the Welsh CreaTech ecosystem. Notably, North Wales-based tech hub M-SParc is a crucial delivery partner for this programme, with support from entities like Media Cymru, S4C, Creative Wales, Creative UK, Creative North, and Delsion. The programme concludes with a Showcase Day, providing participants with a platform to exhibit their products to potential mentors, partners, and investors. Applications for the Convergent Content Scaler open on July 1, 2024, with the program scheduled to kick off in September 2024.
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UniVentures: Nurturing Student Startups Across Wales
The second major initiative supported by the recent funding injection is UniVentures, a 16-week virtual incubator program aimed at supporting 10 student startups and spinouts from various universities across Wales, including prestigious institutions like Cardiff University, Swansea University, and Aberystwyth University. Participants in UniVentures will benefit from mentoring, peer-to-peer support, access to Tramshed Tech and Barclays Eagle Labs Ecosystems, and the opportunity to pitch their products to potential investors, clients, and industry professionals upon completion of the program.
Sophie Webber underscored the importance of traction in building and scaling high-growth startups, stating that UniVentures prioritizes this aspect for early-stage businesses. Pryderi ap Rhisiart, Managing Director at M-SParc, expressed delight in partnering with the program, highlighting the opportunity it presents to support university-based ventures and the thriving creative sector in Wales. Sessions within UniVentures will delve into areas such as product-market fit, user feedback, startup storytelling, mentorship, and investment landscapes. Partnering organizations include the Wales Innovation Network, ICURe, Delsion, and M-SParc. Applications for UniVentures open on May 1, 2024, with the program set to commence in July 2024.
Barclays Eagle Labs’ Commitment to Welsh Innovation
Amanda Allan, Director of Barclays Eagle Labs, expressed excitement about the funding allocated to Tramshed Tech, emphasizing the importance of supporting organizations deeply integrated into their national and regional tech ecosystems. This funding underscores Barclays’ commitment to bolstering the tech sector, which plays a pivotal role in driving local economies across the UK. By investing in initiatives like those spearheaded by Tramshed Tech, Barclays aims to nurture innovation and drive technological progress in Wales and beyond.
The funding secured by Tramshed Tech marks a significant milestone in the realm of Welsh innovation, promising to ignite a wave of creativity, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement across the region. As these new initiatives take shape and empower a new generation of tech innovators, the future of Welsh innovation looks brighter than ever.
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