BetaDen is Worcestershire’s award-winning commercial technology accelerator, but what does that mean? BetaDen is committed to growing the technology community and eco-system here in Worcestershire through a variety of channels. BetaDen was named the best technology accelerator in the UK at the UK Business Tech Awards 2022.

A technology accelerator is a program designed to fast-track the growth of early-stage startups by providing resources such as mentorship, funding, and access to a network of industry experts and potential investors. The goal is to help startups quickly develop and bring their technology products to market.

BetaDen’s Technology Acceleration Programme runs for 9 months and offers 7-10 entrepreneurs the opportunity to accelerate their business or technology concept either to investment readiness or direct to the market or supply chain. The programme delivers specialist mentoring and coaching, a proof-of-concept grant, marketing fund, free office space and access to our extensive industry and academic network

Alongside the day to day running of BetaDen, the team are also dedicated to support the wider technology community in Worcestershire. This is achieved through technology based events, thought leadership and sector/industry links plus business clinics here at the Science Park, covering funding support / guidance and networking designed to bring the knowledge and businesses together.

No, your business does not need to be based in Worcestershire to be eligible for BetaDen's technology accelerator programme. However, if your business is not based in Worcestershire, you will be required to register your business address in Worcestershire for at least the duration of the programme to be eligible for funding - the co-working office space provided as a part of the BetaDen package can be used as your Worcestershire address for the duration of the programme.

You will also be required to attend mandatory in-person group sessions throughout the programme which will be held in Worcestershire. The exact dates required will be provided to you during the application process.

Whether you are a cohort member with BetaDen or a business based in the local region, BetaDen is able to assist with support for technology business development or signpost in the right direction

This programme is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UK SPF), and Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership through the Growing Places fund.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

BetaDen has been awarded UK SPF funding from Bromsgrove District Council, Malvern Hills District Council, Redditch Borough Council, Worcester City Council and Wyre Forest District Council.

For more information, visit the UK GOV website.

BetaDen was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund from June 2018 - March 2023.

The BetaDen Accelerator Programme is completely free to join - no fees, no commission and no equity is involved, allowing founders to develop their technology in the way they see best without vested interests steering their direction - removing some of the commercial sensitivities involved in participating in tech-specific programmes and thereby boosting the value it adds to participants.

As previously mentioned, BetaDen offer an extensive events programme, open and free to all technology based businesses in Worcestershire and surrounding areas. BetaDen are also able to connect businesses not only with other partnership organisations locally but other businesses open to collaboration, investment and development.

BetaDen ‘Proof of Concept’ (POC) is a grant fund that has been designed to support established and start-up businesses to develop innovative new products and processes within Worcestershire. This could include:

Product testing and certification

IP/Trademark

Product launch (exhibitions/events)

New marketing material

Cloud based services

Outsourcing costs for technology development

External market research

BetaDen seek to attract new entrepreneurs working in products, services or solutions for emerging technology.

You can now register your interest for the upcoming Cohort 8.0 programme which is due to start in June 2024. Once you've registered, you will be added to our expression of interest list and will be notified with specific details of the programme closer to the date.

An online application process is the first step in applying to BetaDen, should this be successful, you will then be invited to interview by our advisory board panel. Following this spaces on the next cohort will be offered subject to T’s & C’s.

BetaDen are continuously looking to grow the local tech based ecosystem for collaboration, information sharing and strengthening awareness of the expertise in Worcestershire. Attendance for events is free of charge and probably the best way to find out more about what's on offer.

• Technology based businesses in the UK - must be able to commit to mandatory in-person group sessions and delivery days in Worcestershire
• Businesses open to collaboration, investment and development
• Early-stage, growth-driven companies
• New and emerging technology products, services and solutions for global competitiveness – as a guide – remote monitoring systems for smart manufacturing, remote triage for Industry 4.0, smart infrastructure, AI enabled robotic automation.

BetaDen is committed to helping new technology companies to develop and flourish right across Worcestershire, active support in grow into space and relevant business growth initiatives will be offered.