°×С½ãÂÛ̳

IDEALondon (Innovation and Digital Enterprise Alliance London) is a collaboration between °×С½ãÂÛ̳, information technology provider Cisco and international media organisation DC Thomson that provides support, mentoring, funding and access to world-class facilities for its resident start-up businesses.

Launched in 2013, IDEALondon was established to aid the government's Tech City initiative - this aims to accelerate digital business across the UK from a key cluster in east London; creating partnerships, championing digital technology and encouraging entrepreneurship - all of which will make a lasting impression on the country's technology industry.

Since its launch, 15 start-ups have taken up residence at IDEALondon's vibrant and modern offices, based in the heart of Tech City - Shoreditch, east London. Here, they have unlimited access to work, events and social space, including state-of-the-art meeting 'pods', interactive conference rooms and a 120 capacity venue space.Ìý

°×С½ãÂÛ̳ Advances, °×С½ãÂÛ̳'s centre for entrepreneurship and business interaction, has played a key role in providing the resident start-ups with networking opportunities and expert mentoring; offering managerial expertise, detailed business needs analysis and valuable connections to industry mentors, as well as access to its resources and facilities.

Still in its first year, IDEALondon has already proven a success with the recent announcement that it has helped its resident companies achieve £3million in investment so far.Ìý

Among its notable successes is Snap Fashion, a fashion app that enables users to search and shop from a photograph of their choice. Headed up by computer science graduate Jenny Griffiths, the company has been featured in numerous media publications and recently launched the #editme website in a deal with shopping centre operator Westfield.

"IDEALondon is dedicated to supporting early stage companies in the technology sector", says Alistair Moore (°×С½ãÂÛ̳ Advances).Ìý

He adds: "As a university that values the importance of technology, °×С½ãÂÛ̳ offers our students and alumni an unrivalled advantage by offering a range of workshops, classes and summer programmes, which act as great preparation."

For those interested in taking advantage of the initiative, a rolling intake means that applications can be made on an ongoing basis.Ìý

"There's no specific criteria; the start-ups currently on board range from health to gaming. We're offering skills, employability, experience and the chance to start your own company - it's an amazing opportunity."

Applications to be a part of the scheme can be made online via the .

Links

Images

• Credit: IDEALondon