Creative Tech Programme

Supported by:

Delivered by:

About the Programme

The South West of England is widely recognised as one of the most innovative regions in the UK, with a vibrant and established creative tech cluster at its heart.

From AI and haptics to immersive tech and world-renowned animation, the region is a hotbed for creative tech talent.

This new Creative Tech Programme is supported by the Barclays Eagle Labs Ecosystem Partnership Programme, funded by UK Government. It’s designed to help creative tech ventures in the South West raise investment to undertake the research and development needed to take their products and services to the next level and accelerate their business growth. It will support creative tech founders to become investor-ready and better engage with Angels and VCs.

The creative tech sector is a growing and important sector in the South West and its technologies and solutions feed into many other vital industries including health, Net Zero and education. This programme aims to support its growth and resilience and nurture the next generation of start-ups creating the technologies of the future.

Partnering with MyWorld

The programme will be supported by MyWorld, a global centre for creative technology research and innovation – which brings together 13 diverse, world-leading partners across academia and industry to stimulate innovation, growth and societal change in both the industry and region.

By participating in the Creative Tech Programme, participants can tap into the expertise, partners and facilities at this global centre of excellence.

More about the programme

Dedicated investment training for creative tech businesses

We’ll be hosting online workshops led by industry experts, which will put you in a position to learn more about the investment landscape for tech founders and prepare to manage an investment campaign and raise investment (sessions listed below).

The workout modules will be led by one of the most experienced SETsquared mentors

Dedicated Investment Campaign Support

You’ll receive tailored support to help you run a successful investment campaign, including access to an investment raise playbook, a one-to-one session with our Investment Manager, support in launching your campaign on our Investment Platform, promotion in the Investor Bulletin, and the opportunity to apply for a place at an Investment Showcase.

Who should apply?

The Creative Tech Programme is open to companies that are working/innovating with creative technologies, including but not limited to immersive techs such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), the metaverse, game design, animation, fashion tech, robotics and creative AI, interactive media, digital art plus sound and music production.

We welcome applications from organisations including:

Start-up or SME

Individual entrepreneur

Sole Trader

Partnership Organisation

Limited Company (Ltd)

Community Interest Company (CIC, CIO)

Applicants do not need to be associated with SETsquared’s partner universities in any way.

Fully funded places can be awarded to businesses in the South West which includes Bath, Bristol, and any areas within the counties of Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon, and Cornwall.