‘The Future Tech’ Programme: supporting and scaling digital technology innovation in Norfolk and Suffolk

Since April 2024, Akcela and the Innovation Labs have been delivering ‘The Future Tech’ programme across Norfolk and Suffolk which aims to support and scale digital technology innovation in both counties and support underrepresented and underserved founders.

The programme was secured initially through Barclays Eagle Labs Ecosystem Partnership Programme with match funding and support from Connected Innovation alongside Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils.

To date the programme has supported 78 businesses across both counties through an initial evaluation workshop, which identifies their support needs and future direction.

Out of these, 36 businesses have then been selected to continue to the 6-month startup programme, receiving mentorship, additional workshops, and workspace in both Akcela and Innovation Labs locations.

To date both delivery partners have hosted 22 events aimed at engaging individuals interested in their business support programme along with engaging the wider business community. These events have varied from demo days, lunch and learn sessions and informal celebration events to mark the success of the programme and the businesses involved.

As part of the programme three grants have been awarded to date, based on assessments by the delivery partners. The recipients include an online language learning tool app using AI, an AI-driven social media content tool, and an independent game developer.

We have included short case studies on some the scaling businesses that are part of the programme below:

  • RetaQR: Despite lacking a tech background, RetaQR built a platform, created an MVP, and secured trials with major retailers within six months. They are SEIS approved and have several trials in manufacturing and retail.
  • Moss Monkey: Founded by eight NUA students, Moss Monkey is an independent game developer that have secured a UKIE grant, a stipend, and SEIS approval in the last 12 months. With strong interest in their SEIS round.
  • Viridipath: With deep tech knowledge and a vision to track carbon reduction in the built environment, Viridipath is working towards SEIS approval and has submitted a Growth Through Innovation application to access local innovation funding.
  • Glowfrog Games: A cozy game developer Glowfrog Games, are currently planning an SEIS raise and are now on the Barclays SEIS platform. Glowfrog Games has presented at Games Frenzy and secured funding through the Create Growth competition.
  • Quick Brew Content: Founded by three school friends, Quick Brew Content have developed a platform that combines AI and the power of automation to create affordable B2B social media content can be hard and time-consuming to curate. The team have secured Create Growth funding and alongside a stipend to date.
  • My Wizzie: My Wizzie have developed a platform to revolutionize the learning of English. The platform provides instant definitions, synonyms, antonyms, and translations, ensuring your reading never skips a beat. The team have secured a stipend and are currently part of the Halo Programme providing Investment Readiness ahead of a potential funding raise.
  • Carp Intelligence: Founded by keen angler and Stowmarket based Paul Flannigan, Carp Intelligence is an AI powered angling app for tracking equipment, geo-location and catch data, to make a dent in the UK’s £1.4 billion freshwater angling market.
  • Seaquence.AI: Founded by renewable energy veteran Stephen Douglas, Seaquence.AI is a wave height tracking and measurement tool, Industry 4.0 tools helping the Blue Economy thrive in a digital age.

This programme is continuing to foster innovation and growth in the region, providing crucial support to budding businesses.