BetaDen Tech Round-Up: February 2024
Welcome to the February edition of BetaDen Tech Round-Up. This is our monthly newsletter where we look back at everything that happened in the world of technology in the past month, as well as highlight some exciting opportunities and upcoming events.
Whether you're a tech enthusiast, professional, or simply curious about the ever-evolving tech landscape, this is your go-to source for all things tech.
February Industry News
WMCA sets out roadmap for West Midlands to become UK digital powerhouse
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has rebooted its plan on how best to equip the county's residents and businesses in a bid to further boost the region's digital economy.
The new roadmap for 2024 - 2027 sets out how it will work with partners to upskill people, connect more to broadband, drive better use of data, reduce the carbon footprint and aim to become a UK digital powerhouse.
Green hydrogen plant opens in Gloucestershire
The first green hydrogen plant which will produce and store the zero-emission fuel in the West of England was opened this week.
The unit is based at IAAPS, the state-of-the-art engineering and innovation centre in Emersons Green in Gloucestershire, and has been funded with a £2.5m cash injection from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, which Mr Norris leads.
Green hydrogen is made from water by removing the oxygen through a process called electrolysis, which requires a lot of energy. But it currently accounts for just 1% of the hydrogen produced globally.
It’s different from "grey" hydrogen - which is currently made through fossil fuel-powered electrolysis, meaning it is far less environmentally friendly.
Tech department unveils £100m funding for biotech sector
The UK government has allocated £100m of funding for the biotech industry across 22 projects and six “mission hubs”.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) announced on Friday that the funding will back “Engineering Biology Mission Hubs” and “Mission Award” projects focused on bioengineering projects.
The goal is to “address global challenges” and “drive economic growth” as part of the prime minister’s wider goal of establishing the UK as a science and technology superpower.
Bristol's Science Creates announces launch of second engineering biology accelerator programme
Attention all deep-tech start-ups! Science Creates Accelerate, the accelerator programme launched last year, has announced its second UK-wide programme run in partnership with government agency UK
Research and Innovation (UKRI) and backed by globally recognised venture capitalists (VCs).
The programme provides deep-tech start-ups and innovators with support to transform their ideas into ground-breaking inventions to advance the health of people and the planet.
It is open to those with an existing engineering biology startup or anyone wishing to launch one. It can be focused on biomedicine, environmental solutions, food systems or clean growth.
BetaDen News
MindSafe (Cohort 6.0) wellbeing platform celebrates record users
A Worcestershire technology business that empowers pupils to take control of their mental wellbeing and navigate the challenges of school life is celebrating after hitting landmark user numbers.
40,000 pupils in schools have now signed up to the MindSafe platform since its launch in 2021, meaning pupils aged 8 to 18 across the country now have access to a safe, secure space for mental wellbeing support around the clock.
Alison Skidmore (Cohort 7.0) interviewed by BBC Radio Hereford & Worcester during a special International Women's Day 2024 segment
BetaDen's Cohort 7.0 founder Alison Skidmore was interviewed today on BBC Radio Hereford & Worcester by double Sony award-winning radio presenter Malcolm Boyden.
During this special International Women's Day interview, Alison highlighted her revolutionary product and dedication to innovation, as well as some challenges she is facing as a female entrepreneur and a small business owner.
BetaDen's Advisory Board Member Dan Corcoran, BA (Hons) shares his Top 3 Tech Start Ups to watch out for
Upcoming Events
21 March 2024 - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Worcester - Panel Discussion - The Next Generation of Workforce Talent: Apprentices, Students and Graduates
26 March 2024 - 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM - Redditch - Workshop - Marketing in 2024: A Guided Tour for Business Owners
18 April 2024 - 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Redditch - Workshop - Grant Funding Unlocked: A Guide to Grants for Innovative Businesses