Here’s your weekly round up of news about startup competitions, awards, co-working spaces, accelerators and any other exciting things happening in the UK tech sector.
A £20m innovation centre in Cambridge
Cambridge is set to get a £20m innovation centre next year.
The hub, delivered in partnership with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and Central Working, will be located at Cambridge’s Science Park.
Designed by architects Aukett Swanke, the Centre will seek to nurture high-growth businesses in Cambridge to create a community of over 500 innovators.
Local entrepreneur Dr. Steve Marsh, alumni of Cambridge University and founder and CEO of Cambridge-based GeoSpock, said: ”It’s really exciting to see the building taking shape. Entrepreneurs in Cambridge desperately need more spaces like this one, they are crucial hubs, not only for growing businesses beyond the idea stage, but are key in fostering a world-class entrepreneurial community.
“Unfortunately, despite Cambridge punching way above it’s weight in terms of idea generation – many people, especially young entrepreneurs, feel it is necessary to head to London in order to build their businesses. However, with more spaces like this, Cambridge will have all of the ingredients it needs to compete with the capital and allow it to retain the best ideas and talent,” he added.
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has donated £4.8 million to the project, which it is co-funding with Trinity College.
Pearson Business School’s EdTech incubator
Pearson Business School is on the lookout for an EdTech startup to join its incubator for a year.
In return for donating a small amount of time each week to help Pearson Business School learn about the realities of life in a startup, the successful business will receive a private office in Central London for free. Pearson Business School says it will not take any equity.
Applications are now open. The deadline closes on 18th October 2016.
Will Holt, director of Pearson Business School, said: “With its unique tech, talent and academic ecosystem, London is the perfect place for an Edtech business.
“We are delighted to be able to open our doors to one lucky Edtech startup. It’s a win-win situation – the business will receive access to our state-of-the-art facilities cost-free, while our students will get a taste of the realities of life in a startup. This initiative is just the first of many that we will be launching as part of our startup ecosystem,” he added.
Pitch@Palace coming to Sheffield
The Duke of York’s business event series will be coming to Sheffield on 20th September giving Northern-based tech business the opportunity to pitch their ideas.
Hosted by the AMRC’s Factory 2050, a panel will pick three successful startups to attend the Pitch@Palace Boot Camp on 14th October and be in the running for the final presentation at St James’s Palace on 2nd November.
Cllr Leigh Bramall Sheffield City Council deputy leader and cabinet member for Business and Economy, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Pitch@Palace On Tour to Sheffield. This innovative programme of business support and mentoring that connects businesses with internationally operating financiers and influencers, has already helped more than 200 businesses grow and enjoy great successes.”
All those interested are encouraged to apply here. Applications close on 9th September.
Techspace to open in Aldgate
Techspace will be opening a new location in Aldgate (East London).
The news comes after the co-workign space raised £5m in Series A funding in June.
According to a statement, Techspace is seeking to attract fast growth Series A funded tech firms.
David Galsworthy, CEO and co-founder of Techspace, said: “With a host of new amenities being built for Aldgate, the expansion to Leman Street is a natural progression for us. It is a vibrant area that has already seen a number of tech giants move in recently and we expect demand to continue to grow as London remains a premier location for technology companies to operate in.”
“By offering new enterprise memberships we’re enabling tech companies to finally personalise a coworking space and make it their home,” concluded the CEO.
Wayra UK is moving
Wayra UK, part of Telefonica Open Future, will be relocating to bigger premises in London in September.
The new space, in Air Street, will allow startups to benefit from 9,000 sq ft of office space and direct access to key business units within Telefónica.
That’s all for this week … see you next Friday!