UK tech clusters show benefits of closer links
Last chance to enter search for UK’s most innovative wireless start- ups
11 August 2014: Two leading regional tech clusters, CW in Cambridge and SETsquared, whose university business incubators cover the South of England, are urging closer collaboration and cooperation between all UK tech clusters to accelerate further growth and leadership in technology and science.
The drive for stronger links comes as the call goes out to new tech start-ups and entrepreneurs to beat the deadline for entering the nationwide search for the most innovative new wireless technologies and business ventures. The annual Discovering Start-Ups competition is organised by CW (Cambridge Wireless), the leading community for wireless and mobile technologies, and SETsquared, which brings together companies connected to the mobile and microelectronics sector around Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Southampton and Surrey.
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 & Agilent 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 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.”
While Cambridge is more established, the SETsquared region has recently been recognised as one of the UK’s leading tech clusters.
SETsquared’s Innovation Director, Simon Bond agreed: “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.”
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
About Cambridge Wireless (CW)
CW is the leading international community for companies involved in the research, development and application of wireless & mobile, internet, semiconductor and software technologies. With 400 members from major network operators and device manufacturers to innovative start-ups and universities, CW stimulates debate and collaboration, harnesses and shares knowledge, and helps to build connections between academia and industry.
CW’s 19 Special Interest Groups (SIGs) provide its members with a dynamic forum where they can network with their peers, track the latest technology trends and business developments and position their organisations in key market sectors. CW also organises the annual Future of Wireless International Conference and Discovering Start-ups competition along with other high-quality industry networking events and dinners. With headquarters at the heart of Cambridge, UK, CW partners with other international industry clusters and organisations to extend its reach and remain at the forefront of global developments and business opportunities. For more information, please visit www.cambridgewireless.co.uk
About SETsquared
SETsquared is a partnership between the universities of Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Southampton and Surrey which specialises in growing high tech start-ups through its incubation programme and other acceleration services. It provides mentoring, access to investors and corporates and a wide range of industry experts through its network and training programmes. Its business incubation programme is ranked the best in Europe and second in the world and over the last decade it has developed over 1,000 high tech start-ups that have generated some £1bn in investment. It provides services from its innovation centres at the five universities but also supports companies virtually, giving every member access to the world leading business support. For more information, please visit www.setsquared.co.uk
