Teesside University has awarded £32,300 funding to six innovative businesses who have joined the newest cohort of its successful start-up programme, Launchpad FUEL. The businesses include a digital prototyping service for the fashion industry and a social enterprise creating retro arcade games. Launchpad FUEL provides a range of support to student, graduate and staff businesses, including dedicated office space, mentoring, coaching, workshops and networking opportunities. At the end of the seven-week programme, businesses have the chance to pitch for funding. Launchpad FUEL is one of many Teesside University initiatives aimed at embedding entrepreneurialism across its curriculum and supporting the region’s economy via innovative, successful businesses.
Teesside University is proud of its record in producing the highest ranked graduate enterprises in the region. Steve Dogan, Head of Enterprise at Teesside University, welcomed the new businesses to FUEL and was confident that the programme’s funding, accommodation and mentoring would lead to their future success. Zara King, founder of Zara King Designs, said the FUEL programme had provided invaluable learning opportunities and that the level of support from the team was “incredible”.