NEWLY-started ‘creative media’, digital and technology companies are being offered the opportunity to work in a dedicated hub in Dundee, providing support services such as equipment, mentoring and introductions to potential customers.
IDEAScotland is a collaboration of newspapers, comics and magazines publishers, DC Thomson, plus the University of Abertay Dundee and the University of Dundee. Also involved is the DC Thomson subsidiary, brightsolid, an online technology company operating a range of social history websites including its own findmypast, Genes Reunited and Friends Reunited.
Says a media statement announcing the initiative: “Based in the city centre, at the University of Abertay, it will provide successful applicants with virtual networking, equipment, mentoring on business techniques, introductions to potential customers, business partners and investors, as well as free workspace.
“It represents an initial investment of £250,000 by the partners, with potential additional investment in individual businesses that meet commercial criteria. The centre will host up to ten fledgling start-ups in its first year which, it is hoped, will develop and lead to successful and sustainable businesses.”
The release continues: “IDEAScotland will work closely with the IDEALondon start-up centre at Tech City in Shoreditch, which was announced by Prime Minister David Cameron in December 2012. IDEALondon was established by Cisco, DC Thomson and UCL and aims to support the growth of digital and media companies. The two centres will share investor links, business opportunities and customer testing.”
The centre’s innovation manager is Claire MacDonald (pictured).
For more information, including how to apply, click here.
