DigitalCity Welcomes New Businesses Onto Fellowship Accelerator

11 October 201820 August 2020 2 minutes

A space launch system, escape rooms, accessible kitchenware and a technology solution for the hard of hearing are just some of the latest products and ideas being developed with our support.

A total of eight start-ups have been accepted onto our Fellowship Accelerator Programme.

The six-month programme works with entrepreneurs and offers funding worth up to £5,000, as well as workshops and bespoke consultancy as they develop their product or idea.

The latest cohort of DigitalCity fellows are:

• Stratobooster – a space launch system, to launch small satellites into low earth orbit.
• Desifa – a socially responsible start-up enhancing communication for the deaf and hard of hearing through smart technology.
• Ghost Innovations – a mobile app that enables people who have a terminal illness to create and schedule messages to loved ones posthumously.
• Orion Aura – a multi-functional, ergonomically designed kitchen product.
• Project Escape – Offering live ‘escape the room’ experiences to groups, including families and businesses.
• Gigrep – a marketplace platform where live music event organisers find bands and performers.
• Admit Me – a price comparison site and search engine for enhanced entertainment/sports event experiences.
• Silver Lining Animation – a 2D animation studio specialising in creating promotional and educational content.

Ben White, co-founder of Silver Lining Animation, said: “We’re exploring some new routes to market involving off-the-shelf animations and so we’re hoping that the Fellowship Accelerator will help us develop those products.” Jody Morgan, whose business, Orion Aura, makes accessible kitchenware for people with disabilities, said: “The Fellowship will really help, not just because of the funding, but the support it will give me to make the products and test the market.”

Lynsey Robinson, Director of DigitalCity, said: “We’re delighted to welcome another diverse and exciting cohort of entrepreneurs onto the Fellowship Accelerator.

“The programme has an incredible track record of helping some of the Tees Valley’s most innovative companies to grow and thrive, and we look forward to helping these start-ups reach their potential and make a strong contribution to Tees Valley’s economic success.”