Worcestershire commercial technology accelerator BetaDen, which is based at Malvern Hills Science Park, has appointed DronePrep as its first Entrepreneur in Residence. In this new role, DronePrep will work with BetaDen cohort members, offering guidance and support from its unique perspective of being an early-stage business that has recently lived the same journey.
The announcement comes hot on the heels of news that DronePrep – a recent BetaDen cohort member itself – has secured $25,000 sponsorship from the Microsoft for Startups Programme – a global programme dedicated to helping young businesses successfully scale their companies by providing access to powerful technology and a streamlined path to selling alongside Microsoft and its global partner ecosystem.
Linda Smith, founder and CEO of BetaDen, said: “We’re excited to appoint DronePrep as BetaDen’s first entrepreneur in residence. They made tremendous progress during their time in the accelerator – working as part of consortia to trial drone delivery of medical supplies for the NHS during the pandemic and enabling Royal Mail’s first postal delivery via drone on the Isle of Mull.
“As recent graduates of the BetaDen programme, they have lived and breathed the challenges our current cohort are facing along their journey towards commercialisation and, as such, will be able to provide unique insights and understanding to both our current cohort and the wider BetaDen eco-system.”
Gareth Whatmore, co-founder of DronePrep, said: “BetaDen has played a huge part in our journey, supporting us to develop commercial relationships with partners, customers and investors alike and preparing us to take the business to the next level. We can’t wait to share the next stage of our journey with current cohort members and offer advice and support as appropriate.”
BetaDen provides early-stage technology businesses with a nine-month programme of support worth around £50,000, including 30 hours access to Worcestershire’s 5G test bed, guidance from an industry partner with established supply chain networks, a £10,000 proof of concept grant, mentoring from a handpicked team of commercial and technology experts and office space. It recently welcome its fourth cohort of members, which includes businesses developing new technologies for a variety of commercial applications including vehicle automation, cyber security, Industrial Internet of Things and SMART infrastructure.
It’s popular Tech Tuesday series of technology talks covers a range of technology-related subjects with a firm emphasis on practical application in real-world settings. The next event takes place on Tuesday 8 June at 10am, when guest speakers from Coventry University and autonomous vehicle software specialist Conigital will explore the world of autonomous vehicle technology and how it will shape the future of mobility in a SMART city landscape. To book your free place, visit www.beta-den.com/events