Ignite North East has launched its 2024 Accelerator Programme and is accepting applications.

Taking place across August and September, the programme is the last to be delivered via the Digital Pipeline project, funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority.

Designed for startups currently fundraising or intending to, participants in the programme benefit from mentoring, workshops and connections with accomplished entrepreneurs and investors.

The programme also includes a fully funded trip to San Francisco.

The CEO of Ignite, Jo York, said: "We are looking for ambitious founders ready to advance their fundraising efforts and start scaling their businesses.

"The quality of applications to our previous programmes has been outstanding, and we expect the same level this year."

Notable Ignite alumni include manufacturing software SQCDP and AI martech platform Polybox, which both participated in the 2023 Accelerator Programme.

They secured £200,000 and £500,000 in pre-seed funding, respectively.

Tom Bunten, CEO of Gridfinder, which participated in the 2022 Accelerator Programme, said: "Ignite taught us to think globally. Gridfinder is a regional business, but it has access to an international market. This realisation transformed our business strategy."

Interested startups are encouraged to apply early, via Ignite's website or by emailing contact@ignite.io.