BetaDen is Worcestershire’s multi award-winning provider of business support programmes for technology businesses. BetaDen is committed to growing the technology community and ecosystem here in Worcestershire and beyond through a variety of channels. BetaDen Accelerate was named the best technology accelerator in the UK at the UK Business Tech Awards 2024 and 2022.

BetaDen’s Accelerate runs for 6-9 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, free office space and access to our extensive industry and academic network.

BetaDen's Incubate runs for 8 weeks and offers 10-15 entrepreneurs subject-specific workshops covering all aspects of starting up and running a successful technology business, dedicated 1:1 sessions with industry experts and access to a co-working office space. Additionally, the intake will have access to networking and partnership opportunities along with PR support and guidance.

Alongside the day-to-day running of BetaDen, the team are also dedicated to supporting the wider technology community in Worcestershire and beyond. This is achieved through our insightful workshops, lively networking, thought-provoking fireside chats, and thought leadership and sector/industry links plus business clinics, covering various areas of support and guidance designed to bring the knowledge and businesses together.

The BetaDen Accelerate and Incubate programmes are 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.

No, your business does not need to be based in Worcestershire to be eligible for BetaDen's technology accelerator and incubator programmes. However, for those on the Accelerate programme, 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 Accelerate 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 both programmes which will be held in Worcestershire. The exact dates required will be provided to you during the application process.

BetaDen Incubate is open to all early-stage high-potential technology businesses regardless of their location, however, businesses located too far afield outside of Worcestershire and neighbouring counties that can't demonstrate a clear link to Worcestershire might need to register their business address in Worcestershire for at least the duration of the programme. We can help with this process.

Yes, you are eligible to apply for both our Accelerate and Incubate programmes even if you've previously completed any other Accelerator/Incubator programmes. Our programmes are unique and tailored to the needs of the participants.

Applicants who have completed several Accelerator programmes might not be the right fit for our Incubator programme, due to its focus on early-stage/pre-start companies.

BetaDen is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through Malvern Hills and Wyre Forest District Councils, by Wychavon District Council, and by the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides funding for local investment. 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.

For more information, visit the UK GOV website.

Whether you are starting up or an established player, BetaDen is able to assist with support for technology business development or signpost in the right direction.

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

Eligibility Criteria Applies: POC grant application must be submitted no later than the deadline stated at the start of the programme. All project costs must be external to the company. All purchases and purchase commitments may only commence after the grant has been agreed; any invoices issued/paid before the grant agreement has been signed will not be eligible. 100% of the project costs must be covered upfront by the business, these costs may then be claimed retrospectively. Evidence of costs must be supplied as instructed. VAT cannot be included or claimed as part of the grant, all costs must be given NET. All costs must be claimed within the timeframe outlined in the grant agreement. This will usually be based on the purchase dates indicated by you in your grant application. Applicants must comply with the eligibility criteria. Costs must comply with the eligibility criteria. Any changes made to the spend profile or preferred supplier(s) must first be agreed by the Proof of Concept programme manager. A place in the BetaDen cohort does not guarantee access to Proof of Concept funding. The cohort member must submit a successful grant application to obtain the grant funding.

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

You can now express your interest in both our Accelerate and Incubate programmes.

The first step in applying is to complete an online expression of interest form. Once the programme schedules have been confirmed, the BetaDen team will email you with further details.

In the meantime, please check our website and social media channels for updates.

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.

We also have exciting partnership and sponsorship opportunities available, for more information please visit: https://www.beta-den.com/partnerships/

• 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

BetaDen is committed to helping new technology companies to develop and flourish, active support in grow into space and relevant business growth initiatives will be offered, as well as an ongoing lineup of exclusive workshops and consultations.