Aerospace Xelerated has announced GKN Aerospace and the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) as the programme partners for its fourth cohort. Following three successful cohorts led by Boeing and supported by industry partners, this year’s programme will be run in partnership with Tawazun Economic Council, the defence and security acquisitions authority of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Applications are open and startups from anywhere in the world working on digital services and solutions are welcome to apply until 25 September.
Nichola Bates, Managing Partner at Aerospace Xelerated and Head of Global Accelerators and Innovation Programs at Boeing, said: “We are incredibly excited to welcome DASA and GKN Aerospace as partners for another programme cycle. Both institutions have been crucial in the development of our previous cohort, mentoring and providing startups with exceptional industry advice. These partnerships only add value to the startups joining our fourth cohort. Through DASA and GKN Aerospace, cohort four will be able to make valuable connections that will make a difference to their businesses. There’s still time to apply and we’re encouraging startups to get applications in early before they close on 25 September!”
Startups accepted into the programme will have the option to benefit from a £100K investment from Boeing as well as potentially receiving additional funding from partners. They will also have access to strategists and technical experts from industry that support in developing proof of concept opportunities.
Through Aerospace Xelerated, which is looking for startups in the digital services and solutions area, the companies will be introduced to a network of angel investors, venture capitalists and key stakeholders amongst the aerospace industry throughout the 12-week programme. Successful companies will also receive mentoring from a global network of experienced entrepreneurs, mentors and investors, plus more than £100K in programme perks from partners including startup providers Oracle, Amazon, HubSpot, Digital Ocean and many more.
Anita Friend, Head of DASA, said: “DASA is committed to being an innovative organisation and is always looking to deliver in ways that improve outcomes for the government and the impact for the suppliers. We are delighted to be part of Aerospace Xelerated once again and hope to continue our learning journey to better understand how industry is working to accelerate innovation, as well as providing a vital link between government and industry for the cohort participants.”
Hassan Zaidi, Technology Director for GKN Aerospace Defence Business, commented: “At GKN Aerospace, we are always looking for digital solutions to help provide sustainable improvements in manufacturing and operational performance. We believe that programs like Aerospace Xelerated are essential in crafting these services to support and sustain the future of aerospace. We are excited to be involved in the Cohort 4 startup challenge and to play the role of an industrial sounding board for nurturing and guiding the innovation process into Proof of Concept. I am very excited to see what this year will bring.”
