The 17th Catalyst Cohort is Revealed

Southampton Science Park is delighted to reveal the nine companies selected to participate in its sought-after Catalyst business accelerator programme this spring.

These early stage, innovation-led businesses will benefit from highly practical one-to-one mentoring, expert-led workshops, networking with Central South innovation community peers, and pitching practice at the concluding Catalyst Showcase event. The aim is to give the ambitious founders of these companies the skills and knowledge foundations on which to build investible, scalable entities.

The 17^th Catalyst Cohort is:

• 720 Elite Performance is an exciting proposition which blends high performance sports science and technology with world class athletic credibility to create a fully integrated performance ecosystem that offers coaching, data, environment, and holistic support. Founder Brian Kipchumba Komen commented, “Being accepted into Catalyst validates both the vision and the potential of the business and provides the right environment to turn it from a passion project into a structured, investable company.”
• Airlytics is transforming how air pollution can be monitored, taking it from passive reporting into actionable decision-support. This tool, featuring proprietary nanotechnology with AI, can detect pollution events, attribute them to their source, and guide remediation in real-time. Founder Atanas Burmov said, “We view this programme as the critical accelerator to turn our research and development success into a commercially viable, scalable entity. Acceptance onto the programme confirms that the market recognises that there is a gap between monitoring and intelligence.”
• Chief Technology plans to reduce the barriers of technology uptake for SMEs. Through an innovative tech project planning and delivery tool along with fractional CTO strategic support, customers will be equipped to make the right growth-boosting technology investment decisions. The company's Founder said, “I was anxious about transitioning from the security of full-time employment to venturing out into launching my own business. I feel hugely excited and relieved that I’ll have the guidance and support from Catalyst to help and couldn’t think of a team I’d rather have to start this journey with.”
• Code 9 Security is combining highly talented security professionals with new technologies including robotics, autonomous platforms and advanced sensors, to create a formidable security capability that is efficient and effective for individuals, businesses and communities. The company’s founder is Daniel Gormley. 
• Life Analytics is developing an accessible, low-cost service to support stroke survivors and their clinicians with remote facial palsy rehabilitation. The tool uses augmented reality via everyday mobile devices to provide more effective speech and language therapy provision. Founders James Coleman and Robert Swift were delighted to be accepted onto the Catalyst programme, commenting, “We see this as the start of a steep learning curve, and we are here to learn!”
• LimbMatch will transform the experience of choosing prosthetic devices for the sixty million people globally who live with limb difference or limb loss. Its platform will help users make confident, informed decisions by bringing together real-world lived experience, clinical context, and transparent comparisons. Founder Nicole Brennan is excited to get going! She reflected, “The Catalyst pitch experience was so encouraging and supportive. I'm really pleased to be able to build LimbMatch with the Catalyst programme and see where it takes us!”
• MedE5 solutions plans to support the NHS with a platform that automates clinical capture and provides real-time alerts for critical clinical pathway deadlines. This embeds compliance at point of care and helps to stem NHS financial loss while delivering superior patient quality and safety. The company’s founder is Natasha Williams-Farr. 
• Splint Doctor is using an automated design and 3D print process to provide patients with chronic hand problems or injuries with high quality splints, tailored to the patient’s hand for a perfect, comfortable fit and within days of specialist review to expedite recovery time. The company’s founders are Phil Sauve and Ben Sauve.
• WISE is also working in health tech, supporting women to deeply understand their health, and through personalised guidance navigate a fragmented and overwhelming health system which leads to decision paralysis and often poor health outcomes. Founders Charlie Allen and Dr Liz Leek said, “It is a lonely experience starting up a business and you need the structure and support to carry you through it – momentum is key. There are so many questions that we have and to have expert support on hand will help us move forward and ensure we set ourselves up for success.”

The Catalyst programme is run by Southampton Science Park, supported by 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).

It runs twice a year and enquiries from start-ups, spinouts and early stage science and technology driven businesses are welcome at any time. Find out more and apply here.