Ageing Accelerator

Both established businesses and new start-ups can benefit from funding and intensive support to launch new products and services of benefit to older people. Following an intensive series of workshops to outline some of the challenges and opportunities associated with an ageing society, we have put together a package of support to help get ideas to market.

The Accelerator programme is now finished, resulting in a shortlist of the strongest applications based on commercial potential, relevance to an ageing society and impact the Accelerator programme could have on the business. Shortlisted businesses were then invited to present their innovative solution to an expert panel at St James’ Park, Newcastle.

We’ve been working with eight ambitious businesses for six months, helping them get their products ready for commercialisation or for significant further investment.

What will I get from this?

The support available includes:

  • Help from the National Innovation Centre for Ageing to develop your idea further; can it work in practice and is it attractive to potential customers?
  • Intensive support from the Innovation SuperNetwork team on the commercial aspects of the idea; how can it become a successful business?
  • Free workspace alongside other Accelerator businesses in the brand-new Biosphere building on the Newcastle Helix site;
  • Up to £12,500 in funding from the North East Innovation Fund supported by the European Regional Development Fund, and managed by Northstar Ventures to cover some of your development costs;
  • Help to access further grant funding and support as appropriate.
Who is it for?

The Accelerator is open to any business based in the North East or planning to start up here. Funding rules mean that we can’t be as flexible with businesses with over 250 employees but if you are unsure, just ask.

How do I get involved?

The application process is currently closed. We will shortlist the strongest applications based on commercial potential, relevance to an ageing society and impact the Accelerator programme could have on the business. If you are shortlisted, you’ll be invited to a development day on Tuesday 19th March at St James’ Park, Newcastle.

About the Ageing Innovation Accelerator

A partnership between the Innovation SuperNetwork, National Innovation Centre for Ageing, Northstar Ventures, Newcastle City Council and Aging2.0, the Ageing Innovation Accelerator aims to launch new businesses related to an ageing society. Launched at VentureFest North East in November, the programme has included a series of workshops to help regional businesses better understand the implications of ageing, what challenges this presents and opportunities for new product and service development. Following this phase, the Accelerator will provide in-depth support for eight ambitious businesses with new ideas.

 

Partners

Full list of partners