WORCESTERSHIRE’S commercial tech accelerator BetaDen held its first Cohort 1.0 showcase event last week, to mark the completion of the first programme of its six BetaDen members.

Taking place in Mazak’s Headquarters in Worcester on Thursday, BetaDen’s CEO Linda Smith hosted the event, which saw members discuss and display their development journey across a range of emerging sectors, such as tech, machine learning, blockchain, sensors, next generation cyber and security technologies, and virtual reality for the gaming industries.

Cohort 1.0 members included:

• David Sidaway of Sidaway Technologies (Machine Learning)

• David Lowe of Syndial (Blockchain Technology)

• Luke Hopkins of Shedeo (Gaming Developer)

• Kully Johal and Neil Cooke of GBR14 (Encryption Software)

• Ian Whiting of Titania (Cyber Security)

• Jon Wills, Greg Ashley and Steve Hunt of Worcester Scientific (Nano Sensors)

Linda Smith, founder and CEO of BetaDen said: “We’re delighted to have hosted such a fantastic event in the cyber heart of the Midlands.

"We really believe our tech accelerator programme is a great platform for businesses to develop, and the members within our first Cohort are testament to how far businesses can develop when working in partnership with an accelerator."

Cohort 1.0 went live as a nine-month programme in October 2018, with BetaDen being Worcestershire’s first commercial technology accelerator.

The entry deadline for BetaDen’s Cohort 2.0 was last Friday.

Ten successful applicants will be offered a place in partnership with BetaDen, which offers knowledge, expertise, and a range of business and financial support to drive future tech into the market place. BetaDen is able to boast a package which includes proof of concept funding, investment coaching, business mentors, and marketing funding to budding entrepreneurs and technology businesses who are keen to develop and grow their ideas.

If you’re interested in a future BetaDen Cohort, contact the team by phoning 01905 672700 or emailing info@beta-den.com.