The Web Science Institute (WSI) is delighted to announce the official launch of the Z21 Innovation Fund, taking place during Global Entrepreneurship Week on Wednesday 15 November.
Z21 is an initiative founded by the WSI that proposes to drive innovation in the real world. In collaboration with the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the Z21 Innovation Fund is offering University of Southampton web startups the opportunity to apply for funding to enable them to accelerate towards investment and rapid growth and create high-tech jobs in the Solent region. The event will provide an opportunity to find out more about this exciting new initiative and to meet potential investors and mentors. Places are limited, so please register here.
Additionally, The Z21 Innovation Fund is seeking applications from potential ventures to create a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), achieve product-market fit, and gain traction with users. Applicants can apply for funding up to £6,300 for a three month MVP Project. The MVP Projects will then present to the Z21 Grant and Investment Panel and will have the opportunity to apply for Pre-Seed funding of up to £31,500.
All successful projects will receive support from Future Worlds, a University of Southampton on-campus startup incubator, which has a valuable external network of mentors, investors, and experts. Future Worlds will offer acceleration, helping projects with a value proposition, market product fit, and making valuable introductions to mentors.
To apply for MVP funding, please read the Technical Guidance for Applicants, complete the Application Form (also available to download from the WSI website) and email it to Susan Davies at: [email protected].
The closing date for first call applications is 17:00 on Friday 24 November 2017.
