Bristol robotics firm Reach, formed by young entrepreneur Silas Adekunle, is to join the US-based Qualcomm Robotics Accelerator to support it in launching its Mecha Monsters robot gaming system.
The San Diego-based unit, which is backed by Techstars, has a mission to help the world’s most-promising robotics start-ups take their ideas to the next level and transform the world – one robot at a time.
Silas launched Reach while studying robotics at UWE. Now based in the Bristol Robotics Laboratory technology incubator, he has attracted financial support from the Bristol innovation ecosystem, including the laboratory’s European-funded innovation facility as well as the Manufacturing Advisory Service and UKTI.
Silas and his chief technology officer Chris Beck have represented the UK in Saudi Arabia, Japan, China and Silicon Valley and pitched at the European Robotics Forum in Vienna, winning the Peoples’ Vote.
Reach is also one of five start-up finalists pitching at Innorobo in France next month. Chris is also completing a PhD at the BRL before he leaves for the US.
BRL innovation manager Jill Burnett said: “Silas had put more than 10,000 hours into product and business development even before he graduated last July.
“His selection by Techstars and Qualcomm is great return on his investment and recognition of Mecha Monsters’ market potential. Reach is a great exemplar for everyone in the BRL’s extensive network thinking about tech start-up”.
Silas added: “This is a perfect opportunity for us. We’ll have access to Qualcomm’s technical expertise and Techstars global network of successful innovators – and we’ve done all the groundwork to use these for full advantage. We will pitch to selected US investors in September and be ready to go to market with the Mecha Monsters gaming robots.”
Pictured: Silas Adekunle, centre, with the Reach Robotics team
