South coast: Catalyst Centre sparks success for start-ups

The University of Southampton Science Park is leading the way when it comes to helping science and technology start-ups fulfil their potential.

Four fledgling businesses – Parsly, SAL Scientific, RocPro and BluPoint – pitched and won the opportunity to be a part of the Catalyst Centre, the business incubator at the Science Park, in 2013. Now, after just six months, they are all on the cusp of breakthrough success: receiving funding, winning awards and taking their innovations onto the world stage.

Since its inception Catalyst Centre companies have secured hundreds of thousands of pounds' worth of funding and contracts, enabling many of them to develop and flourish.

Peter Birkett, CEO of Southampton Science Park, said: “Through the Catalyst Centre initiative, we have seen how intensive support and coaching can not only stimulate businesses to grow and develop, but how this can also benefit the local economy. One of our past tenants, HealthQuest Solutions, turned over £1.5 million in its first year and it is still thriving here on the Science Park. Once again, the four start-ups that came to the Catalyst Centre six months ago have achieved fantastic things in a very short space of time. It has reinforced the Science Park’s view that the Centre is an invaluable resource for start-ups in the region, providing the necessary tools to turn high-quality science or technology ideas into viable businesses.”

Mike Santer, founder of graduate company BluPoint, commented: “I’ve had a great experience. Being at the Centre has given my company so many opportunities I wouldn’t otherwise have had. Access to the Catalyst mentor Phil Sharpe has been particularly valuable. His experience helps me to prioritise what I’m doing, and figure out what needs to happen next. Just being based on the Science Park has meant that I’ve met a plethora of people that have enabled me to strive forward every day.”

"Most start-up companies can readily access office accommodation and shared services. However, the role of a business incubator goes beyond this," said Birkett. "Unlike other sources of help for start-ups, the role of an incubator is to increase the chance of success and achieving growth while shortening timeframes and reducing costs. They do so by providing access to physical resources, funding and investment, relevant networks and coaching, but often this support comes with a catch – typically 10-15% of a business’s equity is sacrificed on entry.

"The Catalyst Centre has taken this concept of business incubation and raised the bar. Along with free coaching and support over a six-month period from a dedicated mentor, free accommodation in a lively and collaborative office alongside the other winners and up to £1,000 towards business expenses, this start-up incubator takes no equity from the businesses it supports.

"What’s more, because it is solely focused on supporting science and technology-driven ideas, the opportunities for peer support, knowledge sharing and collaboration through networking within the entrepreneurial community of the Park are significant and have proven to be invaluable for the companies that have participated to date."

The Catalyst Centre welcomes applications from south coast companies with an intriguing science or technology-led idea. It’s not essential to have commercial experience or even a business plan at this stage – just a great idea and the drive and determination to succeed.

There are up to seven places available from September 2014 and entries are open now. Visit www.usspcatalystcentre.org.uk for further information, and to submit an application prior to the closing date of May 31.