Congratulations Catalyst Cohort 17!
The entrepreneurs selected for our 17th Catalyst business accelerator cohort officially completed the programme in July, celebrating their achievements at a showcase event, attended by alumni, partners, and prospective investors.
Hosting the event, Lucinda Lamont, Science Park Business Development Director, said: "As always, we've been incredibly impressed by the quality of this year's cohort and the progress each founder has made over the past 18 weeks. They have been highly engaged throughout the programme, embracing every opportunity to learn, challenge themselves and refine their businesses. Seeing that hard work culminate in such confident, compelling pitches was fantastic. These people are genuinely trying to make the world a better place and we wish them every success as they move forward."
The showcase featured presentations from nine ambitious entrepreneurs across a wide variety of sectors. The expertise and credibility of the founders leading these highly investible companies was evident. Spurred on by their mentors, their pitch presentations were finely honed, amply demonstrating the market opportunities they’d uncovered and the solid business foundations they’d laid down over the 18 week programme.
- Brian Komen: 720 Elite Performance – structuring progression for high-level track athletes.
- Neil Crookes: Chief Technology – improving profitability for the haulage industry.
- Daniel Gormley: Code 9 Security – a step-change in strategic, intelligent security systems.
- James Coleman: Facial Dynamics - reimagining rehabilitation for facial palsy.
- Nicole Brennan: LimbMatch – integrated data platform transforming prosthetics provision.
- Natasha Williams-Farr: MedE5 solutions – addressing avoidable revenue gaps in the NHS.
- Atanas Burmov: Prospicia – delivering intelligent air quality monitoring in manufacturing.
- Phil Sauve: Splint Doctor – triaged approach to cut treatment times for arthritis sufferers.
- Charlie Allen: Wiserly – closing gaps in women’s health with a digital community platform.
Reflecting on their experience, founders highlighted the lasting impact of Catalyst's mentoring and support.
Brian Komen said, “I loved the experience! The Catalyst programme bought a lot of clarity, challenged key assumptions and helped us to pivot from what could have been an operationally complex business to a more streamlined approach that leverages our core strengths and USP. My advice to future participants is to dive into Catalyst fully. Explore every possibility and every approach and be confident in interacting with fellow founders and especially your mentors.”
Nicole Brennan agreed, explaining how the programme helped identify and address knowledge gaps. “I found Catalyst invaluable in moving forward with my business. I transitioned from minimum viable product to a live business, and I couldn’t have done that without the support of my mentor.”
Others spoke about the confidence and momentum they gained through the programme.
Phil Sauve said, “Joining Catalyst was jumping into the unknown. It exceeded my expectations with huge insights. My advice? Do it! It really is a ‘catalyst!’ Without it, I wouldn’t have had the push to get the company so far in such a short period of time.”
Neil Crookes added, “It was a fantastic opportunity. I learned a vast amount of useful knowledge and gained an enormous amount of confidence, really helping me with the transition from employment to entrepreneurship.”
Participants also highlighted the value of learning alongside peers and accessing specialist expertise.
Natasha Williams-Farr said, “Working with fellow entrepreneurs helped me reimagine aspects of my business and the concept, and allowed a safe place to challenge and change. It helped me develop a clear message to take to my industry.”
James Coleman reflected on the additional support available through one of Catalyst’s partners, Health Innovation Wessex, which offers sector-specific guidance to companies in the health stream. “Health Innovation Wessex thought that we’d be perfect for Catalyst and encouraged us to apply. It’s been fantastic to have their extra support as we’ve worked through the programme; their input has helped us to shape our future products. It was also great to hear the real-world experiences of other business owners, brands I highly respect.”
Atanas Burmov echoed the importance of fully embracing the programme. “Catalyst was a really great experience and I learnt a lot. It is 100% up to participants to learn from programme materials and mentors. If you’re serious, your business will fly!”
All automatically become members of the Catalyst Alumni Network, enabling them to continue benefitting from the support of mentors and peers from across all Catalyst cohorts.
The Southampton Science Park team thanks Health Innovation Wessex, the National Oceanography Centre, the University of Southampton’s School of Healthcare Enterprise and Innovation, and Test Valley Borough Council (which provides funding via the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund) for their ongoing support to deliver the Catalyst programme.
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