Applications are open for the 2025 programme, which will support up to 15 early-stage, Black-founded deeptech companies to scale successfully and drive the practical application of deep tech within the UK’s creative economy.   

Deep technologies are emerging capabilities that are built on longer-term innovation, and science and engineering advances such as spatial computing, advanced sensors, future networks, extended reality, Blockchain technologies, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, and digital twins.  

The 14-week innovation and acceleration initiative was established to help redress the disparity in investment directed into Black-founded startups, with only 38 Black founders receiving venture capital funding between 2009 and 2019 – just 0.24% of all venture capital funding in the UK. The Black Founders programme is open to early-stage startups and pre-seed companies whose product or service is solving a problem in the creative industries, and who must have at least one founder who is Black or of mixed ethic background with Black heritage.  

Since 2023, the Black Founders Programme has supported 20 deeptech startups, providing industry and technology mentorship, coaching and masterclasses, investment knowledge building, innovation and product consultancy, and access to deeptech facilities. Alumnus Flossy AI, which uses artificial intelligence to allow fans to 'remix' merchandise from artists, secured pre-seed investment after completing the programme, with other alumni set for similar success.  

Jessica Rushworth, Chief Partnerships Officer, Digital Catapult, said: “Our interventions lay important foundations for supporting early-stage deep tech startups, highlighting opportunities for investors in businesses they would not otherwise be aware of. Now in its third year, the Black Founders Programme has evolved in line with what entrepreneurs' need and value. We’re thrilled to partner with Sony Music UK, Sony Publishing UK, and Channel 4 to help create the right environment for these businesses to flourish.”  

Hari Ashurst-Venn, Senior Director of Digital & New Tech, Sony Music UK, said: "We are proud to support the third edition of the Black Founders Programme. Building on the momentum of previous cohorts, with some securing investment and others partnering with Sony Music on innovative, high-impact projects, we’re thrilled to welcome a new group of entrepreneurs. We look forward to the fresh ideas and perspectives they will bring as we continue to champion diversity and drive innovation across the UK’s creative and technology industries."   

James Bullock, Operations Manager, Sony Music Publishing UK, said: “Sony Music Publishing are excited to return for the third year of the Black Founders Programme, to partner with Digital Catapult, our sister company Sony Music UK and our new 2025 collaborators, Channel 4. We look forward to meeting the 2025 cohort, discovering their creative businesses, and supporting each founder with access to our network, resources, and executive expertise.”

Wayne Charran, Head of Technology for Data, Architecture & Technology Strategy, and Marcia Williams, Director of Equity and Inclusion at Channel 4, said: “We are proud to partner the Black Founders Programme as part of Channel 4’s continued commitment to championing Black entrepreneurial talent in the creative tech sector. The programme is designed to help unlock opportunity, amplify innovation, and build meaningful connections between founders and the industry. Together with Channel 4 initiatives like The Plug, Black in Business and Untapped, The Black Founders Programme forms part of a structured ecosystem of support for Black founders, championing innovation, nurturing growth and helping scale impact at every stage of the journey. These initiatives are born out of our 'Equity by Design" strategy, an ambitious framework that sets out how Channel 4 will create fair outcomes for everyone and accelerate change in our industry.”  

The Black Founders Programme is open for applications until midnight on Sunday 5th October 2025. Apply at www.digicatapult.org.uk/apply/open-calls/opportunity/black-founders-programme-3/  

Previous solutions supporting during the programme range from virtual clothing design for online games to building a digital fine art gallery in extended reality.

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