Advisory group EY has launched its second ‘EY Startup Challenge’ to give technology startups the chance to compete for 10 places in an intensive eight week mentoring programme with the firm and its clients.
This year’s challenge will search for startups with innovative technologies focussed on finding new ways to achieve more intelligent customer interactions and increased visibility along the supply chain to avoid shocks and minimise risk.
Over the eight week programme EY will provide the successful 10 startups with mentorship and coaching from EY’s industry-leading professionals, clients, successful entrepreneurs and key industry professionals.
It will also provide access to EY’s networks which include potential clients and investors for the new technologies
In addition training and support workshops will also be held to help with market validation, customer acquisition and business development and a shared workspace in London for the duration of the programme.
Richard Taylor, advisory sector lead for consumer products at EY, said: “Innovative startup technologies are critical to unlocking the business challenges of the future, and we’re delighted to launch the second EY Startup Challenge.
“Providing high-potential entrepreneurs with access to our people and clients to help solve their most complex problems creates a real opportunity for small businesses with big ideas to forge ahead with the new, dynamics technologies of tomorrow, and will guide technological innovation on its route to market.”
Errol Gardner, enterprise intelligence leader for EMEIA Financial Services at EY, added: “As people, activities and objects become increasingly connected, data through the supply chain has become the currency of good business.
“The scope to derive insight from data, gain foresight, and enable better decision-making has increased exponentially, presenting a new landscape for solving business challenges. One of the UK’s key competitive strengths is its tech startups, and the established firms that tap into this will have a competitive advantage.”
The first EY Startup Challenge took place last September – more details can be found here.