Partner Article

The Difference Engine to boost generation of digital entrepreneurs

A programme designed to accelerate the growth of early stage businesses in Europe was launched in the North East this week.

The Difference Engine will provide start-up capital (£20,000), mentor support, and a working environment to allow ten teams of digital entrepreneurs to turn their business idea into reality.

Would-be entrepreneurs are being encouraged to apply online at www.thedifferenceengine.eu before the closing date of 4 January 2010. Ten teams will be selected from a 20-strong shortlist, with the programme starting on the 15 February and finishing on 4 June.

Each year, The Difference Engine will have two 16-week cycles, both based in North East England. The first cycle starts in February 2010 at Boho One in DigitalCity Business, Middlesbrough. The second cycle will commence in July 2010 at Sunderland Software City.

“The launch of The Difference Engine is a reflection upon how much unlocked entrepreneurial talent we know there is in the UK and Europe,” said Jon Bradford, managing director, The Difference Engine. “A lot of this talent never realises its potential because there is limited access for young entrepreneurs to intensive mentor lead programmes. The Difference Engine is something UK entrepreneurialism, and the digital sector, worldwide, has been crying out for.”

Mark Elliot, CEO of DigitalCity Business added: “It’s great to be behind an acceleration programme like The Difference Engine. The fact that we, as a region, are supporting a project of this nature demonstrates just how far we have come, industrially, and how great our ambitions are. Location is vital to budding entrepreneurs. Boho One offers a buzzing environment with an abundance of networking, social and work spaces - a world class environment for world class talent. We can’t wait to see the results next June.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .