INSIGHTS / News

Leaders of a business incubator programme run by SETsquared are backing a call for closer collaboration between UK tech clusters to accelerate further growth and leadership in technology and science.

The drive for stronger links comes as new tech start-ups and entrepreneurs are being urged to enter a competition to find the most innovative new wireless technologies and business ventures. The annual Discovering Start-Ups competition is organised by SETsquared, which brings together companies connected to the mobile and microelectronics sector around Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Southampton and Surrey, and Cambridge Wireless (CW), the leading community for wireless and mobile technologies.

“The success of Discovering Start-Ups is a great example of tech clusters working together to encourage and showcase exciting new innovation and business ideas,” said David Cleevely CBE, Chair of CW. “While regional UK tech clusters are getting stronger, we should be encouraging closer links to share knowledge, skills and cultivate networking and technology partnerships. What matters is working with like-minded and outward-looking people who recognise the real benefits of closer cooperation and want to raise the game for UK Plc.”

Simon Bond, Innovation Director at SETsquared said: “It’s a case of developing clusters locally to compete globally, and that does require even more collaboration across the UK’s technology hotspots in order to bring together talented entrepreneurs, investors and advisors to help create great companies for Britain.”

Now in its 5th year, Discovering Start-Ups 2014 is also supported by Tech City UK, techUK, New Entrepreneurs Foundation and UK Trade & Investment and jointly sponsored by Qualcomm Ventures, Google, Microlease & Keysight Technologies, IC Resources and Dorsey & Whitey. The finals will be hosted by Deloitte in London on the 22 October, giving up to 20 entrants the opportunity to pitch to some 20 leading wireless industry investors and experts.

The closing date for entries to Discovering Start-Ups 2014 is 26 August and is open to start-ups and early-stage companies looking to take their businesses forward as well as design groups in larger companies looking to exploit new technologies and students or academics in education.

This year, the line-up of judges will include senior executives from companies such as Amadeus, BT, Broadcom, Cambridge Business Angels, Google, IBM, London Business Angels, Orange Labs, Philips Innovation Services, Qualcomm Ventures and Samsung Electronics. 

Details to enter can be found at http://www.cambridgewireless.co.uk/dsu