A start-up networking platform has launched with support from Durham City Incubator. Scientistt provides a networking tool for research students and academic research groups, as well as promoting research opportunities. The platform’s community now represents members from more than 30 major UK universities.
Durham City Incubator (DCI) is a six-month accelerator programme designed to help entrepreneurs boost their businesses. It is currently running remotely due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
The programme was set up in 2018 as a joint venture between Business Durham, Durham University, and New College Durham to support entrepreneurs based in the county who have been trading for under 12 months.
Scientistt is one of seven County Durham businesses taking part in DCI’s third cohort.
Mahmudul Hassan, the founder of Scientistt and Durham PhD post-graduate, said: “Our platform enables a community of passionate students and researchers to connect with others, voice their opinion, and get recognition for their work.
“With the help of DCI we have been able to get the platform up and running quickly. We have started to make some excellent links with universities and other companies quicker than we would have been able to without the programme.”
Sarah Slaven, interim managing director at Business Durham, added: “It’s fantastic to see Scientistt’s networking platform generating interest from both UK universities and overseas companies in such a short space of time since its launch.
“We are sure that Scientistt can continue to grow and scale up with the support of the DCI programme and we’re looking forward to seeing the innovative business thrive over the coming months.”
Scientistt has received investment from the North East Innovation Fund, supported by the European Regional Development Fund, and managed by Northstar Ventures that will enable them to develop and grow the platform.
Stephen Price, investment director at Northstar Ventures, said: “Scientistt’s ambitious young team has identified a gap in the market for a digital platform that supports networking, collaboration and transparency within the global research community. The user engagement they’ve generated in such a short period of time is impressive and extremely encouraging for the future of their business.”
