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Business

Unique internship scheme to find the tech entrepreneurs of tomorrow

15 September 2014

 

Teesside University has worked with a multinational technology firm on a unique internship scheme which has given students the chance to launch their own start-up companies.

The University partnered with Clicksco, the Dubai-based digital data specialists, on the 12 week Enterprise Internship programme which saw 11 students form three companies.

Following completion of the 12 week ‘Clickscelerate’ programme, one of the teams is about to launch a mobile app on Apple’s App Store and another group is planning on forming their own company with the help of a DigitalCity Fellowship.

The students, who have just completed their final year at the University, will retain any Intellectual Property (IP) which was developed over the course of the paid internship.

Throughout the programme, the students used lean start-up business practices which use customer focused methodology to develop a business product or idea in minimal time.

They also benefited from guidance and mentoring by Clicksco UK and University staff, as well invited guests from major international technology firms including Google.

The three companies formed were: • GigAbout – a web platform for bands and venues. • The Happiest Hour – an app which matches customers to eating establishments which are offering discounts. • Randomizer – an app which suggests random places for people to visit on a night out.

The programme was run by Paul Callaghan, Director of TwentyThreeMiles, Clicksco’s investment fund for start-ups.

Paul said: 'In 12 weeks, the teams have come from nothing to develop three minimum viable products which are ready to be put in the hands of customers.

'It’s even more pleasing to see that one of those is about to be launched on the App Store and another are looking to take their business further.

'This is a unique form of internship and Teesside was the obvious place to run it – the University has been massively supportive.'

Steve Shutts, Chief People Officer from Clicksco added: 'This is a brilliant example of young enterprise in action.

'As experts in digital marketing we know just how responsive businesses need to be to the constantly changing demands placed by the online medium; these outputs are each huge testimony to how a small group, properly motivated and supported, can innovate compelling propositions from a standing start.'

Billy Floyd, a BA(Hons) Broadcast Media student, worked on the Randomizer app which is about to launch on the App Store.

He said: 'It’s been an amazing experience and really intense. We’re delighted that we’ve been able to get something which is ready to go out to the App Store in only a few weeks.'

Josh Allan, who worked on the GigAbout app, is applying for a DigitalCity Fellowship which could offer him and the other members of the team up to £4,000 each to cover his living costs while they develop the app further.

Josh, a BSc(Hons) Computing student, said: 'We’re thinking about using the Fellowship to develop the app for a further six months by which point it will be totally ready to push out.

'I’d never really contemplated starting my own business. Before doing the Clickscelerate programme, I was thinking about doing a master’s degree, but I’ve learned so much over the past 12 weeks I really want to take the business further.'

Sasha James, a BA(Hons) Multimedia Journalism student, who also worked on the GigAbout app, added: 'I found the programme incredibly rewarding. It’s really taught me a lot of different skills, particularly marketing skills and I’ve made some very valuable contacts as well.'

Professor Cliff Hardcastle, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise), said: 'This was a very exciting project for the young people, it not only gave them the chance to consider establishing their own business, but also the opportunity to work with senior mentors from a very successful international business to develop those ideas.

'From our perspective, this contains in a microcosm everything about the University’s approach to encouraging a spirit of enterprise within our students.'


 
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