Queen’s University is partnering with Techstars, one of the world’s largest mentoring and funding networks, and Belfast-based Ormeau Labs, to support the growth of high potential, early-stage companies across Northern Ireland.
The launch of the four-year partnership, the first of its kind in the region, at Ormeau Labs in Belfast on 15th January brought together founders, investors, students, researchers and operators from across the local innovation ecosystem.
The concept is part of an initiative driven by Queen’s University to increase tech start-up formation in Northern Ireland, which is lower than other UK regions. The collaboration establishes a four-year programme of activity designed to support ambitious founders and teams to build and scale globally from Northern Ireland.
"This partnership with Techstars is a significant moment for Belfast’s innovation ecosystem," said Sharon Morgan-Young, Head of Innovation Programmes, Queen’s University Belfast.
"With Queen’s at the heart of a four-year collaboration with Ormeau Labs, we’re giving local founders access to world-class expertise, global networks and a proven playbook that helps great ideas scale.
"It will strengthen our start-up community, attract investment, and create high-value jobs, while opening up new opportunities for students, researchers and entrepreneurs across Northern Ireland.”
To date, through QUBIS, the commercialisation arm of Queen’s University, more than one hundred spin-outs and thousands of jobs have been created raising significant capital.
Sharon added:"Partnering with Techstars would accelerate this impact even further by scaling more companies faster and attracting greater global investment into Northern Ireland ultimately amplifying their real-world benefit."
Activity will include the Founder Catalyst Programme alongside a series of events focused on capability building, connection and access to international networks.
Through the partnership, Northern Ireland’s tech start-ups will gain access to one-to-one mentoring with global industry leaders, accelerator funding opportunities and Techstars’ international network of founders, investors and corporate partners. Since its formation in 2006, Techstars has mentored more than 10,000 companies globally.
"The ability to join forces with Belfast for a Techstars Startup Community Partnership is an absolute dream," said Katie Smith, Head of Startup Community at Techstars.
"Our partners are highly collaborative, well represented across the ecosystem, and passionate about founders.
"I have no doubt that when we couple our time tested programs and global network with this local team, we will all foster incredible momentum and energy for founders in Belfast.
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"We are excited to see the many ideas, talents, and visions come out of Belfast to make a lasting impact on the world."
Speaking ahead of the event, Amy Junkin, General Manager of Ormeau Labs said:
"Network and community is at the heart of what we do at Ormeau Labs.
"We are delighted to partner with Queens University Belfast and Techstars to extend that community to a global level and increase the network and ambition for all Northern Irish founders."
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