APPLICATIONS ARE NOW INVITED FOR

SUNDERLAND IoT & 5G accelerator

A world-class infrastructure needs world-class innovators.

Applications are now open to be part of a cohort of 5G and IoT practitioners and entrepreneurs helping to shape Sunderland's leading-edge Smart City ambitions.

6-week programme begins September 2022

Click below to apply via the F6S application process

New Spire Bridge, Sunderland

SUPPORTED & DELIVERED BY

BAI Communications logoSunderland City Council logoSunderland Software City logo

Do you have an IoT product or service and are looking to:

• Access a world-class 5G testbed?
• Find new long-term partners and clients?
• Receive £10,000 grant funding?

Whether an IoT startup or a business spinout, we want to hear from you

Applications are open for startups to take part in a 6-week, Sunderland based accelerator programme. Successful applications will form a 10-team cohort that will each receive up to £10,000 grant funding.

A programme created to address a wide range of modern challenges

We are assembling a mix of IoT innovators to help develop their products and services. The full spectrum IoT solutions will be considered but the programme has a partial focus on manufacturing and logistics, social care, and education sectors.

A unique opportunity for startups and spinouts to develop their IoT services

Access a world-class testbed

The Sunderland Our Smart City IoT and 5G accelerator programme will provide access a network to cater for large-scale IoT innovation.

Six week programme of activities

As part of the programme, you or a member of your team will be required to attend the scheduled sessions for two days per week in Sunderland Software Centre. The six-week programme will consist of:
• Week1: 5G sandbox onboarding
• Week2: Business model and proposition
• Week3: Product or service development
• Week4: Partnerships and investment
• Week5: Sales and marketing
• Week6: Pitch practice and demo day

Receive up to £10,000
grant funding

A no-restriction £10,000 grant is available per successful team. Payments are staggered as follows:

• £2,500: Programme commencement +
• £2,500: Completion of week three +
• £2,500: completion of week, six demo week +
• £2,500: Registering a business in Sunderland

A city of huge potential underpinned by an ambitious City Plan

Forging an alliance with the very best

Core to realising Sunderland's Smart City plan was the need to create relationships with partners that share the ambition and vision of Sunderland.

BAI Communications has formed a strategic partnership with Sunderland City Council and will design, build and operate next generation digital infrastructure including the private 5G small cell network.

We are one of the few cities in the UK that can offer the infrastructure needed to support and accelerate the progress of a group of businesses with this type of expertise.
Liz St Louis, Assistant Director Smart CitiesSunderland City Council
Liz St Louis
Assistant Director Smart Cities
Sunderland City Council
Sunderland skyline
We are delighted to support this pioneering new programme. BAI look forward to working with participants to build the expertise and relationships they need to bring their innovations to life.
Billy D’Arcy, CEO of BAI Communications UK
Billy D’Arcy
CEO of BAI UK

Get in touch:

For questions related to programme content please email Mark by clicking here.

For all other questions about the programme please email Stephen by clicking here.

We look forward to hearing from you.