Tech startups chosen for UK smart city accelerator

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Startup innovation will contribute to the scaling of Sunderland Council’s smart city vision

A new internet of things (IoT) and 5G accelerator in Sunderland has named 10 early-stage technology companies that have secured a place on the programme.

The programme combines leading-edge infrastructure with IoT domain expertise and guidance from internationally renowned organisations.

Smart city vision

Launched by Sunderland City Council, in partnership with global communications infrastructure provider BAI Communications (BAI) and tech sector support organisation Sunderland Software City (SSC), the initiative will see the cohort each receive up to £10,000. It is anticipated the startups will contribute to the scaling of Sunderland Council’s smart city vision.

The six-week accelerator programme, which received over 50 applications from technology startups from around the world, will take no equity in return for participation, while the council reports intellectual property (IP) will remain in full control of the teams involved.

“The teams will take part in a structured series of workshops, mentoring sessions with experts, pitch development and training, as well as benefiting from introductions to influential and valuable networking opportunities, said Mark Gardner, startup growth manager at Sunderland Software City.

“The programme culminates in a showcase event to demonstrate the cohort’s progress; we’re very excited to help accelerate the development of this talented group of businesses.”

Chosen startups

Featuring on the programme is healthtech company Floki Health, which aims to deliver technological solutions to enable delivery of great patient care across the NHS and beyond, and smart buildings disruptor Krellian, which is on a mission to make the built environment smarter, safer and more sustainable.

Also joining the cohort is Awaretag, which specialises in providing smart tech for healthy homes; cyber solutions provider Cystel; better healthcare enabler Digimonk; industrial IoT disruptor Manulytica; intelligent and sustainable heritage management startup Roxid; smart city transportation management firm Simplifai; startup in the Web3 space, Trigan; and real-time data facilitator, Urban Data Collective.

“We’re proud to be putting digital innovation at the heart of Sunderland’s future. To successfully deliver our ambitious smart city plan, we must invest in next generation digital infrastructure and services to help improve the lives of our residents,” said Naomi Hutchinson, chief innovation officer at Sunderland City Council.

“The programme will not only support the growth of these exciting start-ups but will help accelerate Sunderland’s smart city vision”

“Partnering with BAI and facilitating a world-class, 5G testbed for startups to experiment with their innovations is a prime example of Sunderland’s commitment to being a forward-thinking city.”

“We are delighted to announce the inspiring first cohort joining Sunderland’s IoT and 5G accelerator programme. The programme will not only support the growth of these exciting startups but will help accelerate Sunderland’s smart city vision, driving innovative use cases and further demonstrating the value technology can deliver to citizens, businesses and the economy,” added Claire Venners, general manager at BAI North.

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