Fast track kick-start for south-west start-ups
Early stage technology-based start-ups in the south west of England are set to receive a major boost following the launch of this year’s ‘FASTtrack2’ programme by Silicon South West. Supported by the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA), FASTtrack2 will this year accelerate six high-growth potential companies by introducing customer contacts early on in their development, along with mentoring and networking tailored specifically to their needs.
FASTtrack2’s Dave Richards said, “Technology start-ups are special. They’re born global and offer phenomenal growth potential; however they also require tremendous up-front investment. FASTtrack2 will provide a tailored programme of assistance that will boost their opportunity for growth and success.”
This year’s programme has selected six companies:
- A Bath university spin-out in medical electronics sensors
- Lobster Pictures – in photography
- NanoGaN – into gallium nitride semiconductor wafers
- A Bath university spin-out in fibre optics sensors/materials
- Sidonis - network management software
- The Mountain Trike Company - off road wheelchair for the disabled
The FASTtrack2 programme will be delivered with the resources of SETsquared, the partnership of the universities of Bath, Bristol, Southampton and Surrey, UK Trade and Investment and SWRDA.
Nick Weiner, CEO of Xintronix, a participant in last year’s FASTtrack programme Said, “The support provided by FASTtrack has been highly relevant and worthwhile for Xintronix. The programme provided an intensive focus on strategy and we now have a comprehensive business plan in place that will enable the company to move forward and fulfil its potential in the global electronics market.”
Silicon South West is the industry network for semiconductor, wireless and microelectronics companies in the region. It is managed by SETsquared’s business incubators for high-tech start up ventures.
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© Chilli Publishing Ltd 2008 |
10 JUl 2008 |
