How the programme works

Over 18 weeks, you’ll commit to weekly, in-person peer group workshops and one-to-one mentoring sessions, gaining maximum value from peer learning, expert guidance, and access to our innovation community. You will also gain access to desk space, free of charge, in our Incubation Centre for the duration of the programme.

A maximum of ten companies are granted places on the programme, which runs twice a year, with sessions commencing in March and September. 

Starting and scaling a company can be a lonely, uncertain journey, but Catalyst’s experienced business mentors know what’s over the horizon and can get you where you want to go, faster.

The core team is supported by specialist workshop leaders who offer expert guidance on critical business areas, including finance, regulation, intellectual property, and human resources. The coaching team is led by world-class early-stage business specialists:
 

• David Bream guides businesses from start-up to global leader, leveraging his unique experience as a founder of the highly successful SETsquared partnership.

• Philip Sharpe draws on nearly 20 years of successfully commercialising technology at QinetiQ to mentor early-stage businesses across a wide range of technologies and markets.

• Adrian Braine accelerates growth and go-to-market strategy for companies working with cutting-edge 5G and immersive technologies, leveraging four decades of international directorship experience.

• Gary Smith specialises in early-stage venture funding, leveraging his proven track record of building high-growth software businesses from start-up through scale-up to initial public offering.

• Lucinda Lamont provides deep knowledge in consultative selling and international business development strategy, and serves as the cohort's main point of contact.

• Caryn Morant supports the inner workings of the programme, leveraging 30 years as a PA to C-suite executives to ensure the Catalyst Programme runs seamlessly for the founders.