Tech South West operates across the region to support the tech sector, with over 2,500 members, and works with the likes of Engine Shed Bristol, Plymouth Science Park and TechSPARK.

Dan Pritchard, Co-founder of Tech South West, said: “Support for early stage companies is an essential part of any dynamic and successful tech sector which is why we’re delighted to be launching Tech South West StartUp Studio. It makes absolute sense to provide a brilliant growth accelerator programme and investment opportunities to companies and founders whichever part of the region they emerge.”

Firms can now apply to join the fully-funded StartUp Studio, including the 6-week Activate programme, to secure a place in the first cohort, click here.

The entry deadline is Friday 15th January, with the programme starting a month later. A live pitch event, as part of Tech South West’s online Tech Gathering series, will take place on Thursday 22nd April. Three cohorts will run through 2021.

Tracey Keys, Programme Director of Activate, said: “Starting a company is not for the faint-hearted. What we will be doing together is taking the first steps towards what we hope will be successful, sustainable, and personally rewarding businesses.

“The programme is designed to challenge and improve the business foundations of each startup, building a viable, investor-ready prospect. Over six weeks, through interactive sessions companies answer big questions including ‘Where is the opportunity? Why now? Are we meeting real customer needs? Can we build a business around it and attract investors?’. Working with Tech South West, Activate mentors and a cohort of peers, each startup will develop a roadmap towards success.”

Bristol-based Skowt Consulting is working with Activate and Tech South West to oversee delivery of the project, select the initial cohort, work with partners to support the programme, and attract investor organisations and individuals.

Ben Cooper, MD of Skowt Consulting, said: “Tech South West StartUp Studio has been designed to shine a light on South West tech companies from Gloucester to Penzance, and to take advantage of the increasing focus on regional investment from Seed VC Funds and Angel groups.

“Through the programme, we’ll challenge startups to test their proposition, their market, and their business model, getting them ready to face investors at a showcase Tech South West pitch event.”

Experts from Activate and Skowt will discuss the programme at Tech South West’s regular online Tech Gathering 10-11am Thursday 17th December. You can sign up here.

Applicants need to have been trading for under two years, be based in the South West - Bath, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset or Wiltshire - and be at pre-seed or seed stage, having not yet raised a commercial round of funding.

Successful companies will benefit from a fully-funded place on Activate’s intensive six-week virtual accelerator programme. It includes three full-day workshops, two 2-hour weekly Q&A sessions, 1-1 mentoring, BuddyUp support programme, extensive pre-work and ‘homework’, online fireside chats with past cohort members and successful entrepreneurs from across the globe and an entry on ActivateU, Activate’s investment portal.

Beyond the Activate Programme and Pitch to investors, there is on-going support through the year from Tech South West partners, including on investment, grant funding, business strategy, brand, marketing, legal and financial topics.