Wanted: North East Entrepreneurs With World-Changing Ideas

Since Ignite returned home to the North East last year, it has successfully run two programmes and is now looking for anyone with a tech start-up idea, particularly those focusing on ageing or using immersive technology, for its third programme.

Working alongside Northstar Ventures and the North East Innovation Fund supported by the European Regional Development Fund, Ignite will deliver a full-time pre-accelerator programme from September 2019.

Also supported by PROTO, Gateshead Council, and the Digital Catapult North East Tees Valley, the programme offers three months’ of support and desk space in Gateshead Baltic Quarter, access to the Immersive Lab facilities at PROTO, plus £15,000 of investment to help develop new start-ups.

Tristan Watson, founder of Ignite, said, “Since we came home to Newcastle where we launched in 2011, we’ve run two successful programmes and met some fantastic entrepreneurs. We know there is so much talent and innovation in the North East and we’re delighted that we’re here with our next programme to continue to support, develop and grow that. With funding, office space, access to the very latest technology, and all the help from mentors and experts, our pre-accelerator programme really is the best all-round support any entrepreneur needs to get their idea off the ground.”

Since it launched, Ignite has supported more than 200 companies through accelerators and pre-accelerators across the UK, which collectively have raised more than £50m.

Durham based Fumarii Technologies, who took part in the Ignite pre-accelerator last year, has just launched its new service. Following the Ignite programme, Fumarii, whose founders are Durham University graduates, received angel investment to develop the platform.

Fumarii’s software was developed to suit the needs of freelancers and students by allowing them to turn their computer into a machine of equivalent power to a Mac Pro for a small monthly fee.

Alex Buchan, Investment Director, Northstar Ventures, said, “We want to find the North East’s best innovators and start-ups and we know the Ignite team are experts in doing this and running programmes that support testing out and growing innovative businesses. We’re very pleased to be working with them again and I look forward to seeing more of the best, most exciting ideas and entrepreneurs in the region develop.”

There are only 20 places on the programme and Ignite is looking for individuals and teams with ambition to build a world-changing business.  Ambitious founders may already be working on something – or maybe just thinking about an idea.

Deadline for applications is the end of June.

To find out more go to www.ignite.io.