Tees Valley incubator attracts new innovators

A North East business support scheme is helping early-stage founders develop their ideas, strengthen their strategy and prepare for growth.

Tees Valley Labs has welcomed 24 entrepreneurs to its Stable programme, a six-month incubator designed to help start-ups move from concept to market traction. 

Funded by Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen and the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA), the programme provides expert mentorship, workspace and access to grant funding worth up to £2200 per month, with a top-up available on completion.

The new cohort spans a diverse mix of innovators. 

Among them is Darlington founder Claire Budge, who created The Orbitor, a multi-sport ball launcher designed to help young athletes train at home.

Claire joined the programme to accelerate product development and gain commercial guidance.

She said: “I just think the support here is second to none. 

“I don’t think there is anything like it in the UK – having the access to the mentors and the business expertise means I’ve spent the whole week so far in awe of the support we’re going to get.

“It was a family idea and for the first time, I think it’s going to become a reality. 

“I really believe that anything is possible. 

“We’re really digging deep into what the customer wants, the pitfalls and we’re really drilling down into that.

“Watch this space in six months’ time.”

Other participants include Japaflex founder Ajibola Agbaje, who developed a hyperlocal social app to help people settle into new cities, as well as Middlesbrough-based Voodink, a pickleball equipment start-up preparing to bring its first paddle range to market. 

Chemical specialist Lynn Chikosha has also joined with Kona Clean Teknologies, which is developing eco-friendly protective coatings for the fast-growing wind energy sector.

Lynn added: “There's a lot happening in the North East around the wind energy sector.

“So, it's really exciting to be developing products for that sector but also developing eco-friendly products that support in the renewables industry, which is already contributing to the net-zero targets for the UK.”

Alongside mentoring, founders benefit from co-working space at FLOK, delivered by innovation consultancy Alt Labs. 

The Stable, and its sister accelerator the Forge, have already supported more than 30 Tees Valley businesses with over £1.5 million in backing.

Programme leaders say the new cohort is already forming strong peer networks and challenging each other’s ideas, helping build momentum for growth across the region.

Steve Dougan, head of venture support at Alt Labs, said: “Six months is a real deep dive. 

“It’s a brilliant mix of funding with a monthly stipend and grant support, plus access to our co working space and community here at FLOK, and uniquely, our in-house Alt Labs tech team, to help founders build minimal viable products and prototypes. 

“It's a unique combination of support. 

“I think the Stable and the Forge are two of the best start up and growth support programmes currently running anywhere in the UK.”

Mayor Houchen added: “Teesside has a track record of turning new ideas into success, and today our region is full of local people with the talent and drive to turn their ideas into real growth for our area.

“Our job is to give them the backing, funding and expert support they need to grow and thrive – and it’s fantastic to see the difference Tees Valley Labs is already making.

“These entrepreneurs are proving that our region is the best place in the country to start and grow a business – and I can’t wait to see how this latest group gets on over the next six months.”

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