The response to a new ‘tech bootcamp’ initiative organised by Digital Jersey reflects the strength, ambition and diversity of Jersey’s digital entrepreneur landscape, according to CEO Tony Moretta.
The Tech Start-up Bootcamp, launched at the end of last year in collaboration with JT, PwC, NatWest International and TEKEX, formally starts this month having received almost 40 applicants from a diverse range of digital innovators and entrepreneurs.
Applicants for the Bootcamp were from broad and diverse backgrounds, whilst one in three were female entrepreneurs, with their digital businesses ranging from investment platforms and fintech products to digital health solutions, gaming apps and mental health technology solutions.
Originally the Bootcamp offered to support a total of five digital businesses, but applications for the scheme were so strong that twelve were ultimately shortlisted – seven of those will now take part in the Bootcamp program, with the remaining five being supported by Digital Jersey in different ways over the course of the year.
Those taking part in the Bootcamp include Tamsin Raine, Tom Titherington, Cameron Pirouet, Michael Butler, Jack Smith, Joao Oliveira, Elliott Lamb and Manthan Patel.
They will now benefit from a comprehensive twelve-week program designed to provide them with the best possible opportunity to explore and develop their digital business ideas. Through a combination of workshops, masterclasses and one-to-one sessions, the Bootcamp will cover all elements of starting a digital business, from nurturing the entrepreneurial mindset, to assembling a strong team, building a prototype, marketing, pitching, and fundraising.
They will also be given a personal mentor, tailored to their idea or business, as well as being given full access to facilities at the Digital Jersey Hub, including accessing the Sandbox to test their products.
Digital Jersey CEO Tony Moretta said: “The response to our first Tech Start-Up Bootcamp underlines just how ambitious and diverse the digital entrepreneur landscape in Jersey is. We received so many exciting and innovative ideas from right across the spectrum and I’m pleased that, with the support of our partners JT, PwC, NatWest International and TEKEX, we are able to not only expand the number of places on this year’s Bootcamp but also commit to providing support to all twelve local innovators shortlisted for it.
“This is what Digital Jersey is all about – connecting people, collaborating, bringing together those who are shaping the future and giving them the tools they need to realise their ambitions. I’m convinced that the initiative can help give local fledgling tech businesses the best possible chance of success and in turn provide exciting opportunities for Jersey’s economy.”
Pictured: Victoria Eastwood, Head of Stakeholder Management, and Sebastian Lawson, Head of Projects at Digital Jersey.
