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Southampton Science Park has teamed up with three research organisations to boost technology and innovation start-ups. The National Oceanographic Centre, Health Innovation Wessex, and the University of Southampton’s school of healthcare enterprise and innovation are now partners in the science park’s Catalyst business accelerator programme. The programme, which starts in March and September each year, is now accepting expressions of interest for March 2025.
Catalyst has supported nearly 100 companies, creating around 260 jobs and raising more than £66 million in investment. The new partnership is expected to strengthen the region's status in health and marine technologies. Dr Robin Chave, Southampton Science Park CEO, said: "I am delighted that the Science Park will be working more closely with these three very successful and hugely inspiring institutions on our Catalyst business accelerator moving forward.
"These collaborations mean that we can work with twice the number of early stage businesses each year, and they will benefit from deeper learning experiences and faster problem solving through the cross fertilisation of the partners’ ideas and experiences. "There is a rich seam of innovation flowing throughout the south central area, concepts that in many cases, aren’t developed to their fullest economic potential. With our new Catalyst partners, we hope to change that by giving more companies more opportunities to commercialise their ideas and research.
"Ultimately, this will grow our region’s reputation for innovation excellence and boost its economy by encouraging inward investment and retaining talented, visionary people here." Frank Ratcliff, director of industry and innovation at Health Innovation Wessex, said: "We have a long and fruitful relationship with Southampton Science Park and the University of Southampton, working together to support high-potential companies. "Formalising our involvement with the Catalyst partnership is a logical extension of that, generating the ability to provide greater support for start-ups and furthering our ambitions to accelerate the adoption of viable solutions.
" Southampton Science Park receives funding from the UK Government via Test Valley Borough Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Catalyst programme has been significant in supporting technology and innovation start-ups, extending the region's influence and capacity in these sectors. The new collaboration is anticipated to further enhance these opportunities and outcomes.
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