University of Bristol: Minority ethnic tech founders supported by SETsquared Bristol Breakthrough Bursary
The bursary is for UK tech entrepreneurs from a minority ethnic background and provides access to tailored business support at heavily discounted rates.
This includes coaching and mentoring, advice clinics, skills and training workshops, events and support to raise investment.
Awardees also benefit from SETsquared’s supportive community and three months free access to desk space at Engine Shed, the university’s enterprise hub.
The initiative is funded by SETsquared Bristol alumni members and the University of Bristol.
Fourteen companies have been recipients of the bursary to date, including University of Bristol spin-out FluoretiQ and PhD student startup Milbotix. Bursary companies to date have raised a combined £2.7 million in investment.
Dr Neciah Dorh, bursary alumnus and Co-founder and CEO of FluoretiQ , said: “The Breakthrough Bursary enabled us to join a community of amazing founders to learn from.”
Joyann Boyce, bursary awardee in 2021 and Founder/CEO of Inclued, an inclusivity tracking tool, said: “My experience of the Breakthrough Bursary has been nothing but positive. As an entrepreneur you often feel like you are out there on your own, but SETsquared Bristol provides a supportive community of founders at all stages.”
Marty Reid, SETsquared Bristol Director, said: “SETsquared Bristol’s ambition is to work towards levelling the playing field for minoritised groups within the tech sector by improving access to support, investment and networks. We look forward to welcoming new awardees with exciting ideas to our community.”
Since SETsquared Bristol launched the Breakthrough Bursary in 2019, companies at the incubator with founders from a minority ethnic background have increased from 14% to 24%. This compares favourably to the UK average where less than 9% of senior tech leaders are from a minority ethnic background.
Any UK-based entrepreneurs from a minority ethnic background can apply for the Breakthrough Bursary if they are developing a tech startup or growing an existing company.