BetaDen Technology Showcase brings inaugural TechFest to a close

Worcestershire’s inaugural Innovation Worcestershire TechFest came to an inspirational close this evening with a showcase of technology developed by Cohort 8.0 of the county’s award-winning technology accelerator BetaDen.

Seven early-stage, Worcestershire-based businesses presented their innovations to a sold-out audience of investors, customers and partners at Stanbrook Abbey, showcasing technologies including:

a novel, longer-lasting hip replacement that improves outcomes for younger, active patients (Garland Surgical);
valves preventing damaging water pollution incidents and protecting business owners from business-crippling fines and criminal prosecution (Sandfield Engineering);
an integrated software platform, helping organisations bridge ‘the truth gap’ in market research (Split Second Research);
business development software for SMEs and professional advisors (Smart90);
an all-in-one remote control that manages multiple smart-home applications in one place (uControl);
software to help facilities management teams streamline projects and deliveries (Zone Manager); and
a virtual exhibition platform bringing improved security to online and virtual events (Marketing + Technologies Group)

Donston Powell, external affairs director at BetaDen, said: “Once again we have been blown away by the calibre and diversity of the technologies developed by our founders on the Accelerate programme.

“Supported by our hand-picked team of commercial mentors, they have each grabbed the opportunity to hone their ideas and identify their most promising routes to market over the last nine-months, strengthening their businesses and ensuring they are well placed for their next stage of growth.”

Gary Woodman, CEO of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, added: “The BetaDen Showcase was a fantastic way to round off our first county-wide technology festival.

“Those businesses that have been supported have gone from strength to strength over the last few years: Creating jobs and developing a network of thriving technology businesses in the county. The Showcase demonstrated the breadth and depth of talent that exists in Worcestershire – not only when it comes to security and software development but also in MedTech, manufacturing and other sectors.

“Events like BetaDen’s Showcase and our new TechFest shine a light on how technology is key to every business sector, encourages investment, creates opportunities and supports technology entrepreneurs in the region to the benefit of our wider community.”

Chris Pinder, founder of Malvern-based uControl, showcased their new universal remote control technology at the event. He added: “The showcase was a fantastic opportunity to share our progress and connect with key partners for our next chapter.”

The BetaDen Accelerate showcase was supported by programme partners Apogee Associates, Higgs LLP, Jerroms and Wynne-Jones IP, and sponsors IceBlue, Encore Communications, TAD Electronics, We Are Alp and F8 Creates.