21.01.20
GCHQ backs 11 Greater Manchester tech start-ups
Intelligence and cyber security organisation, GCHQ, has announced (Jan 17) that it has selected 11 Greater Manchester start-up companies to support and mentor.
The government communication body, who recently announced a move to Manchester City Centre, will back tech start-ups that focus on keeping people safe, reducing emissions and helping the elderly.
Business ideas include software to identify illegal online pharmacies and tech to help the elderly to live in their own homes for longer.
Over the next 16 weeks, the GCGQ Accelerator will be offering their services to the North West businesses to develop their ideas, including insights into connected devices, and creative and responsible use of data to improve people’s life.
Using cutting-edge technology, technical ingenuity and world leading partnerships, the GCHQ keeps the UK safe by analysing and disrupting threats in an increasingly complex world.
Gav Smith, GCHQ’s director general for Technology said:
“These businesses have real potential to improve people’s lives in an increasingly digitally connected world, from helping the elderly to reducing emissions.”
“We’re excited to be supporting the thriving technology ecosystem in Greater Manchester, connecting ingenious entrepreneurs and creative technologists with the mission of GCHQ to help tackle some of our hardest challenges”
The companies selected to benefit from the scheme are:
- Shield Digital – Software to identify illegal online pharmacies
- Dadshed – Property Management Technology
- io - Asset monitoring and tracking platform for energy generation and storage
- Evergreen Smart Power – Delivery of a smarter energy system
- Homely Energy Ltd – Making heat pumps smarter
- Inevitable Ltd – Machine learning tool to enable data smart strategic forecasting and prediction.
- Howz/Intelesant – Smart home monitoring for assisted living
- Otaskies – AI baked street light dimming energy solution
- Sparta Digital - Augmented reality app for mental health/suicide intervention
- Tended – AI and wearable tech for Health and Safety
- Wattl - Collaborative video discovery platform
Debbie Brown, strategic director for Service Reform at Salford City Council said:
"GCHQ’s sponsorship of this accelerator programme for Greater Manchester is not only an indicator of the region’s growth, significance as a digital destination and a space for entrepreneurship, but also of GCHQ’s genuine ambition to engage with the innovation community at every level. It’s the beginning of an exciting and inclusive journey which will inspire and challenge emerging companies as well enhance the technologies and services they are developing."
The businesses were selected from an open competition, with submissions providing “life impact” solutions for vulnerable groups across the region, empowering and connecting citizens through ingenious use of technology.