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Young entrepreneurs and startups wanted: Campus North lands Young Founders opportunity

This summer, Newcastle will become the only place outside of London to host Young Founders, an initiative designed to kickstart the entrepreneurial business ideas of 16 - 18 year olds.

The free two-week programme, hosted by city centre tech and startup hub Campus North, was established by 18-year-olds Ed Hardy and Kit Logan.

When deciding to combine studies with developing their own startup, Ed and Kit realised that a gap existed for supporting young people to be entrepreneurial when obligated to education.

From their own experience and with the support of a team of mentors and partners, the duo have created a two-week programme that takes participants from early idea stage to a business that can be pitched to potential investors.

Working with mentors, experts and funders, young people will be able to gain knowledge, advice and first hand experience on the intensive programme.

Kit Logan explained: “We developed Young Founders from our own experience of not finding the kind of support that would have really helped with our start up.

“The programme offers something unique bridging a gap between education and entrepreneurship aimed at the next generation of innovators and founders.

“With Campus North at the centre of the tech community in the North East and already offering support to young people it made sense to run Young Founders in Newcastle too.”

Lyndsey Britton, Co-Founder of Campus North, added: “We are really excited to host Young Founders as part of our Tech for Life programme.

“We know there is a gap in support for young people and we put on events and activities here at Campus North to offer more opportunities for skills and learning.

“It’s a real chance for young people in the North East to gain knowledge, experience and contacts they won’t get anywhere else. I’d encourage all of those with a great idea and lots of enthusiasm to apply.”

The programme takes place 25th July – 5th Augustand it’s now open for applications.

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