Entrepreneurs launch two innovation growth programmes

A technology hub has launched two unique business incubation programmes in response to post-Covid needs by building a peer powered community and bringing world-class innovation and growth opportunities to the region’s most promising entrepreneurs.

HOST, the Home of Skills & Technology, has opened applications for its Cyber Innovation Lab and Unity Centre of Excellence Incubator programmes for ambitious start ups and SMEs creating innovations in cyber, data science, AI and immersive sectors.

Led by Blackburn business trailblazer Mo Isap of IN4.0 Group and co-founder Andy Beaden, they have more than half a century of combined experience in starting and scaling companies. The programmes are based on their industry knowledge and have been specially developed for entrepreneurs. 

Founder and CEO Mo, and chairman Andy, are the operators of HOST and have a strong track record in supporting businesses to adopt digital technologies and accelerate their growth. 

The 12-month programmes are part of HOST’s flexible and affordable incubation membership and will be delivered in collaboration with high profile technology partners such as Microsoft, Siemens and Unity.

The Cyber Innovation Lab incubates best-in-class cyber, data science and AI start ups and scale ups, and supports the rapid development of industry-leading disruptive innovations. 

Key to the lab is HOST Cyber, in partnership with Salford City Council, which includes a cutting-edge cyber sandbox, allowing businesses to use real anonymised data to build, develop and test new ideas.

While the Unity Centre of Excellence Incubator Programme connects outstanding innovators with the creativity, imagination, and expertise of Unity, providing invaluable access to Unity’s technical leads, creatives and support networks.

As the only Unity Centre of Excellence in the UK, it offers regular 1-to-1 mentoring, tailored advice, workshops and hackathons, designed to help businesses get investment ready and fast track them to success. 

Those involved will also be supported by HOST’s exclusive Innovation and Business Growth Programme, which equips entrepreneurs with personalised mentoring and the tools they need to successfully bring their products to the commercial market. 

The programme has been developed from years of experience, analysis and reviews of business support, incubation, accelerator and growth programmes. 

Businesses will also join HOST’s collaborative innovation community where founders are introduced to funding options and given exposure to its partnership network, including 250 businesses across MediaCityUK and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s 4,500 members through events and marketing opportunities.

A number of exciting new programmes for entrepreneurs, businesses and people looking to upskill in digital technologies are currently being developed by the innovation hub with plans to launch them over the next few months.

HOST’s mission is to break the barriers to entry into the tech sector, enabling businesses of all sizes to scale up and drive economic growth by creating one of the most inclusive technology communities in the world. 

Mo Isap, CEO of IN4.0 Group, operators of HOST, said: “We’re offering entrepreneurs a home at HOST, not just a location, but a place where they can become part of our supportive and inclusive innovation community. People, place and culture are at the heart of everything we do.

“Having been on my own personal journey as an entrepreneur from starting businesses to then building them up, I understand how both tough and rewarding the journey can be, but also no one else understands what you go through as a business owner like your fellow entrepreneurs. I’m privileged to be able to share that experience and the knowledge I’ve gained along the way with others who might be coming up against the same hurdles.”

HOST member Dr John Hardy, Director of HE Inventions, said: “At HOST you are part of a community where there is always something new and interesting going on, with plenty of enjoyable events and initiatives to take part in that expand your network. It's great for our customers and colleagues alike to be in such an inspiring and energetic environment, while being in the heart of MediaCityUK helps us to attract the best people in the region.”

Businesses interested in applying for HOST’s programmes can find out more here: www.hostsalford.com