Sunderland Software City Accelerate! Programme

Access startup support and accelerate growth for your tech business

Business support Start-up Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland County Durham Gateshead South Tyneside North Tyneside Northumberland Leadership Markets

Register for this scheme

    This scheme is provided by Sunderland Software City and Barclays Eagle Labs with funding from UK Government

    Sunderland Software City and Barclays Eagle Labs with funding from UK Government

      A mix of specialised accelerators, one to one support and funder exposure for Tech Startups in the North East.

      Accelerate! is a support package for tech product and tech-enabled companies through a series of expert masterclasses, strategic partnerships, comprehensive mentoring and the bringing together of Venture Capitalists (VC) and Angels from in and outside the region. All designed to meet the evolving needs of the North East tech sector.

      Transforming Retail, Gaming, Esports with Cutting-Edge Solutions

      Accelerate is the UK's leading accelerator with a difference. Dedicated to fostering innovation in the retail, gaming and esports sector, our mission is to accelerate the development and deployment of groundbreaking technologies that enhance customer experiences, streamline operations and drive sustainable growth. We provide startups with unparalleled resources, expert mentorship, and access to a vast network of industry leaders, investors, and partners.

      Why Choose Accelerate?

      Support comes from 4 main areas of expertise;

      Expert workshops:

      • Masterclass 1: Optimising Your Tech Infrastructure for growth
      • Masterclass 2: Harnessing Data and AI for Insights and Personalisation
      • Masterclass 3: Sales & Marketing Strategies for Tech Solutions
      • Masterclass 4: Designing Seamless Customer Experiences
      • Showcase Networking Event with Silicon Mingle

      Comprehensive Support

      • Mentorship: Our mentors include industry experts, entrepreneurs and technical specialists who offer personalised guidance.
      • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access to cutting-edge labs, prototyping spaces, and testing facilities.

      Strategic Partnerships

      • Industry Connections: Leverage our extensive network of partners, including industry experts, government agencies, and academic institutions to foster collaborations and pilot projects. 
      • Investor Access: Connect with a diverse pool of investors actively seeking opportunities in the retail and transport sectors. Our demo days and investor pitch events are tailored to showcase your startup to potential backers. 

      Financial and R&D Resources

      • Accelerator: A programme that covers critical aspects of startup growth, including business development, fundraising strategies, regulatory navigation, and market entry tactics. 
      • Funding Support: Support with grant opportunities, fundraising journey, and access to venture capital through our UK-wide investor network. 

      Get Involved

      Accelerate is looking for ambitious startups with transformative ideas in e-commerce, supply chain optimisation, in-store technology, customer experience enhancement and more. If you are ready to revolutionise the retail and esports sectors and drive positive change, apply to join the accelerator programme.

      To be eligible for the prorgamme you must be a registered company or an entrepreneur willing to register a company. Full attendance at all of the masterclasses is required. 

      Apply to be part of the programme

      Sunderland Software City and The Barclays Eagle-Labs have come together to offer a package of support to help drive growth across the tech sector. This programme funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology offers a package to support early stage founders. Together, the two organisations have an on-growing commitment to fostering growth and innovation across the North East.


      Talk to one of our team who will help you connect to the support you need to grow and develop your business.

      if your local authority isn't listed above, you can view details of how to get in touch with your local Growth Hub