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The UK is an ambitious country; over half of those aged between 16 - 44 would like to start their own business one day, and one in 20 already have.
Having a business idea burning away in the back (or the forefront) of your brain, it seems, is a common thread, but with intimidating startup failure rates and statistics, many of these ideas never make it to fruition due to a lack of knowledge or unpreparedness.
That’s why we launched the Stage-One Pre-Accelerator, Plus X Innovation's latest programme designed for ambitious early-stage founders or companies with an innovative new concept to become market-ready.
Having just wrapped up the programme's first iteration, we want to take a moment to celebrate our amazing inaugural cohort. We’re so impressed with each business’ journey and the strides they have made during their time with us.
Introducing the Graduates of the Stage-One Pre-Accelerator:
Kaia Allen-Bevan - YouthTheGap
YouthTheGap is a social impact community platform designed to empower and directly serve young people and minoritised communities in the UK.
Ramzia Jawara - KALIWA
KALIWA is a visionary project which brings ancient African wisdom into collective consciousness through diverse mediums such as art, film, herbal knowledge, and natural products.
“I offered a pitch at Plus X Innovation for my new business Kaliwa, a wellness brand rooted in African heritage and natural healing practices…. Excited to share what more comes of this new venture as time goes on.”
Dale Brunnings - Highbridge 360 Ltd
Highbridge 360 Ltd provides a fully integrated online platform designed to revolutionise how buildings are viewed, inspected, surveyed, and maintained internally and externally.
Ali Collings
This business is developing a diagnostic companion, available as a website or app, designed to assist veterinarians by analysing clinical data in real-time.
Ashley Grant Barratt - Sociometrics AI
InGovAI is an innovative platform that utilises Artificial Intelligence and Social Network Analysis to transform governance across projects, programs, organisations, and societal structures.
Kay Lucas - Versa Light
Versa Light is a modular lighting system designed for flexibility and personalisation, allowing users to easily adjust lighting setups across multiple rooms using a single light source.
“Huge thanks to Plus X Innovation for an incredible accelerator experience these past 8 weeks—it's helped me refine my design and push Versa Light forward ⭐”
Phoebe Heseltine - Natural Negative
Natural Negative is developing biodegradable thermoset resins for 3D printing using SLA and DLP technologies.
Amelia Jones - All.Sport
This “Airbnb for sports” platform will enable users to find local sports, gyms, and activities while managing payments and subscriptions in one convenient place.
“It was amazing to experience this opportunity, and want to thank Plus X Innovation for an amazing 8 week pre-accelerator program, getting me ready for this moment and beyond.
To my amazing cohort, I am inspired by every one of you, keep striving to make this world better and you will!”
Max Male - SnapKit
SnapKit is a sustainable invention toy designed to let users, especially children, create and play with waste materials by joining them together using connectors and a hole punch.
Celine McKeown - Do What Matters/ Meaningful Futures Project
This social innovation project empowers young people by providing them with the skills, understanding, and confidence to create meaningful lives and contribute positively to the world.
April Oliver - ORA Homeware
ORA Homeware is an online homeware brand, operating through a drop shipping model, that specialises in cottage-style decor.
“I've learnt so much, met so many inspiring founders and nailed my first pitch! I can't wait to implement what I have learned and watch my business fly.”
Namrata Randhawa - Creative Culture Brighton
Creative Culture Brighton is a community-driven platform created by and for creatives. It aims to empower underrepresented voices through mentorship, networking opportunities, and a dedicated space for collaboration.
Sharing on Linkedin, Namrata said this of her experience:
“Believing in myself (and applying for this programme) has been one of the scariest yet most rewarding things I've ever done—and trust me, it pays off!
Over the past 8 weeks, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work with Plus X Innovation’s Pre Accelerator Programme, where I learned everything about starting a business. What began as a young idea has now grown into something substantial, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the experience.
When I first joined the programme, I thought I’d come out as a business expert, armed with all the knowledge in the world. But, as it turned out, the journey wasn’t just about learning business skills—it was about learning so much more about myself.”
Arham Rahim - RiceHide
RiceHide is an eco-innovative vegan leather made from rice husks. It offers a sustainable alternative to traditional leather while reducing carbon footprints and ensuring cost-efficient manufacturing.
Maria Petnga – Wallace - Ubuntu Works
This organisational transformation consultancy is grounded in the values of Ubuntu humanity to others. Its goal is to decolonise workplaces to foster happier and more productive teams and work cultures.
On Linkedin, Maria shared:
“In September, I joined the Accelerator program at Plus X Innovation for founders. It has been a carefully crafted blend of (lean methodology) theory, expert insights, mentoring and putting our business ideas into practice.
Most fantastical have been the participants.…diverse folk of creatives, scientists, inventors, students, tradesfolk and professionals.… all innovators 🌟.”
Dave Richtor - Weather Flare
Weather Flare is a health management app that uses real-time environmental data and AI-driven insights to help individuals with weather-sensitive conditions proactively manage their health.
Senamile Sishi - Zane Sustainable Textiles
Zane Sustainable Textiles produces a sustainable hemp fabric using innovative waterless dyeing techniques with supercritical carbon dioxide, eliminating the need for water and reducing chemical usage.
Kevan Smith – Brighton United
Brighton United integrates professional and business-minded Global Majority Citizens into mainstream networking, coworking, and corporate spaces.
Kevan shared of his experience on Linkedin:
“Through my work with #BrightonUnited, I've been fortunate to have Plus X Innovation's support through the transformational Stage One Accelerator programme. The Accelerator is helping transform our community initiative into a thriving startup that will be prepped for success.
Just through participating in the Accelerator, we've been exposed to methodologies, mentors, funding groups like Swoop, veteran founders and world-class facilities where startups are brought to life.
Jack Maddalena, Josie Gammell, Sarah Mee and loads more amazing professionals have lent their expertise, insights and shared ways of approaching business that can prove transformational for communities that rarely receive this kind of access. Even as a lot of us are feeling a sense of despair, know that those standing in solidarity have the power to still make a difference in our community brings so much hope.
Thank you to Plus X Innovation, and all of those who continue to give us hope and bring us closer together to forge communities we'll all be proud to call home.”
Mili Tharakan - Mili Tharakan (No Ordinary Cloth)
A podcast series that serves as an educational and upskilling tool, offering insights into emerging textile technology research and innovation.
As part of the Plus X Innovation Changemaker Awards, you can vote for the Stage-One Rising Star Award, celebrating the Stage-One Pre-Accelerator participant who has shown the most remarkable growth and potential over the 8-week journey.
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