Ambitious technology companies across the South West of England are being invited to apply for the newly launched Growth Forge accelerator programme, which focuses on driving growth and securing funding within the region’s burgeoning tech sector. Following a successful year in 2024, where participants raised over £2 million in funding, the 2025 programme introduces enhanced offerings with three specialist growth tracks focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), marine technology, and clean technology, alongside the general Core programme open to various technology sectors.
Delivered by Tech South West in collaboration with partner organisations such as Microsoft, Bishop Fleming, Future Space, Program, Evo Talent, British Business Bank, and Plymouth & South Devon Freeport, Growth Forge aims to provide tailored support and investment opportunities for tech firms at any stage of development. Dan Pritchard, director of Tech South West, emphasised the importance of a bespoke approach to the accelerator's support mechanism. “Data modelling ensures a truly bespoke approach based on each company’s specific growth priorities, which is why Growth Forge 2025 can propel ambitious companies forward,” he stated, indicating that the programme caters to pre-seed, scaling, or established companies.
The accelerator incorporates a profiling mechanism intended to align expertise, support, and opportunities with each company's growth goals. This includes applications from startups aiming for market entry, firms in need of scaling, and established enterprises seeking to enhance sales. Specialist support in AI and the maritime and cleantech sectors is facilitated through sector-specific partners and dedicated workshops.
Eifion Jones, Business Growth and Investment Director at Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, remarked on the partnership focus for Growth Forge within the marinetech sector. “We’re thrilled to be a partner for Tech South West’s newest Growth Forge accelerator programme in the marinetech sector,” Jones stated. He highlighted the initiative's goal of collaborating with growing businesses focused on innovative solutions in digital oceans, marine autonomy, and clean maritime technologies, thus contributing to a wider ecosystem of expertise and resources.
The Growth Forge programme employs the PragmaPulse® Diagnostic, a proprietary business assessment tool designed to create a comprehensive profile of each participant’s strengths and areas for development. Support mechanisms include face-to-face Growth Days, one-on-one mentoring, investor relations, workshops, pitch training, online peer networking sessions, and access to digital learning resources.
During the previous iteration in 2024, participating companies collectively secured £1.6 million in investment and an additional £300,000 in grants, achieving an average performance improvement of 27% across key metrics. This improvement encompasses a range of operational aspects including talent strategy, marketing, financial resilience, legal protections, and technology.
One notable success story from the 2024 programme is Intelligent AI, a fintech scaleup based in Exeter and Cornwall, which received significant investment. CEO Anthony Peake remarked, “The networking opportunities and expertise gained through Growth Forge has been fundamental to our growth trajectory this year."
The new applications for Growth Forge 2025 are now open, welcoming tech companies from across the entire South West region, including Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire. The programme is set to commence in the first week of March, with onboarding activities scheduled throughout February. Interested companies can find details and submit their applications on the Tech South West website.
Source: Noah Wire Services