Vodafone launches latest programme to award new technology startups

Today (September 26), Vodafone has launched a new UK technology award programme, Vodafone Techstarter, to support startups and early-stage ventures developing innovative technology solutions with social purpose.

Vodafone Techstarter aims to uncover and develop ideas that can harness the power of technology, connectivity and innovation to improve health, education, environmental protection or social mobility.

Vodafone Techstarter has been developed in partnership with the Vodafone Foundation, Vodafone’s charitable arm, and Social Tech Trust, a supporter of socially motivated tech ventures.

Helen Lamprell, Vodafone UK’s general counsel and external affairs director and Vodafone Foundation trustee, commented: “Vodafone Techstarter is a hugely exciting opportunity for industry to contribute vital support, expertise and funding to help take early stage ventures driven by social purpose from startup to scaleup.

“We believe that some of the biggest challenges in society can be addressed using technology and innovation. The UK has a fantastic opportunity to lead the way in providing solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges.”

In addition to financial awards, winners could benefit from access to industry and technology expertise from Vodafone and the Social Tech Trust, enabling them to take their innovations from prototype to market readiness.

This will include coaching, commercial development support, mentorship, investment and partnership advice, with additional bespoke elements depending on their requirements.

Vodafone Techstarter is open to UK-based inventors, innovators, charities, social enterprises, businesses and entrepreneurs, with prototype ideas.

Judging will take place in December with finalists revealed in January 2019. Winners will be announced at an awards event in London in February 2019.

Anne Sheehan, enterprise director of Vodafone UK, added: “We are committed to supporting startups across the UK.

“I’m particularly excited to be encouraging new innovations that will contribute positively to the world we live in. The scaling of technology solutions can be a challenge for any startup, and particularly for socially-motivated tech ventures.

“I’m very much looking forward to seeing the entries and helping to bring the ideas of our Vodafone Techstarters to market.”