CRL Accelerator
The CRL Accelerator offers an unrivalled package of support to hardware startups. Over the course of 4.5 months, the intensive and hands-on innovation programme focuses on product and business development. Support includes access to industry-leading mentors and an experienced product development team, alongside introductions to suppliers and manufacturers.
This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
We are accepting applications until 2nd September 2024.
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About
The internationally-recognised CRL Accelerator provides world-class product development support and access to prototyping facilities to innovators building hardware products.
Over the course of the programme, a cohort of makers prototype, test, and validate their revolutionary technology with the support of experts from Plus X Innovation and the wider industry.
Product-led startups will benefit from:
- A fully funded programme of tailored support
- World-class mentorship from business experts and entrepreneurs
- Practical product development support from the specialist Plus X Innovation team
- Introductions to suppliers and manufacturers in the UK and China
- Access to specialist product development facilities at a Plus X Innovation Hub
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Eligibility
To be eligible for selection you must have:
- A business registered or operating in London, UK
- A prototype (it does not have to be pretty or very advanced!)
- Technical knowledge relevant to your hardware development
- The desire to build a scalable product-based business
- A product or business model displaying genuine innovation
- The ability to attend the programme in person in London for half a day a week (Mondays or Tuesdays) during the course of the programme
- Desirable but not essential: Two or more team members
The people I have met here make it a dream coming in a few times a week! I don't see myself being able to go back to working from home the same way I did before coming to Plus X Innovation, I don't think I could leave the sense of community behind. It really is something everyone who is working from home should try!
Central Research Laboratory has contributed to our journey in many ways: access to a network, manufacturing, procurement services, and workshop facilities. CRL enables us to feel like a slightly bigger company than we would otherwise be if left to our own devices. Being here at CRL as a cohort member, makes it feel a lot more real and plugged in into the ecosystem.
Besides the workshop facilities, the best thing about working in the Brighton hub has got to be being able to collaborate with people in the same building as you. The variety of expertise and experience in the building is awesome.
Through my time at Plus X Innovation my business has turned from a student project into a registered R&D company. My favourite thing about being at Plus X Brighton is having a mini family in the office and a beautiful space to be the best you and make the best connections.
We could not be in a better place to grow as a company. We get amazing support from the Plus X Innovation staff, plus collaboration opportunities with the other inspiring residents and companies. We feel like we’re living in the future of workplaces in the present and that is pretty damn cool.
This programme is delivered in partnership with:
Programme features
Programme details
Up to 25 companies will be selected to attend a Bootcamp in London on 24th and 25th September. This two-day bootcamp will include insights into the full CRL Accelerator, as well as thought-provoking workshops that test assumptions about your business and learn how to pitch their idea.
Of the companies attending the bootcamp, six of the most innovative companies will be selected to participate in the full CRL Accelerator programme. The final cohort will be selected by the 4th October.
The 12th cohort of the CRL Accelerator will run from October 15th for 16 weeks. This programme will run in London for half a day a week (Mondays or Tuesdays). Our product development specialists and mentors will also be on hand throughout the week to support you.
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the Programme Manager, Ben Harrison.
Funding details
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus.
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