Entrepreneurs launch two innovation growth programmes

By IN4.0 Group

07 Jun 2021

mo-isap-and-andy-beaden-in40-group-host-smaller.jpg

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  

Latest news

1

New India branch campus on the horizon for Lancaster University Keir Starmer meets Indian PM and included Prof Simon Guy Lancaster University. Pic Simon Dawson

New India branch campus on the horizon for Lancaster University

09 Oct 2025

2

Best events and talented students complete finalists list for Lancashire Tourism Awards 2026 Best Events and Talented students on Lancashire Tourism Awards finalist list

Best events and talented students complete finalists list for Lancashire Tourism Awards 2026

09 Oct 2025

3

East Lancashire Learning Group named UK digital transformation leader in CIO 100 Awards Andrew Dewhurst with the award win

East Lancashire Learning Group named UK digital transformation leader in CIO 100 Awards

09 Oct 2025

4

PHX Training appoints new business leader in Blackpool Jason Davenport PHX Training

PHX Training appoints new business leader in Blackpool

09 Oct 2025

5

Velocity seals Airbus extension worth up to $54m Velocity Composites Has Announced Its Entry Into The Us Market

Velocity seals Airbus extension worth up to $54m

08 Oct 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – Oct 10th
Ai 10.10.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
10 Oct 2025 - 10 Oct 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – Oct 10th

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 12:00

Unlocking major project opportunities in the North West
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
15 Oct 2025 - 15 Oct 2025

Unlocking major project opportunities in the North West

Strathmore Hotel, Morecambe, LA4 5AP

08:00 - 10:00

The New Employee Rights Landscape: Day One Compliance Essentials
EventBrite NORi - 15th Oct 2025 Webinar.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
15 Oct 2025 - 15 Oct 2025

The New Employee Rights Landscape: Day One Compliance Essentials

Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Teams, PR253XH

13:30 - 15:00

The Autumn Re set - pour me a wine
LBV Advert_Autumn Reset 1200 x 630px.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

The Autumn Re set - pour me a wine

The Artistry House , Preston , PR1 3JJ

17:30 - 19:30

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (26).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

October Freelancer Meet-Up
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

October Freelancer Meet-Up

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 09 Jan 2026

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre

The Small Business Academy, Blackpool, FY4 5JX

09:30 - 15:30

HR Essentials for pubs, bars and licensed venues
EventBrite NORi - 22nd Oct Webinar.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
22 Oct 2025 - 22 Oct 2025

HR Essentials for pubs, bars and licensed venues

Online - Teams, Leyland, PR253XH

13:30 - 15:00

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin