US tech giant Oracle has teamed up with Bristol’s SETsquared incubator to officially launch its next-generation Startup Cloud Accelerator programme in the UK.
Oracle, which has a cloud development centre in the Bristol, announced plans in January for its second accelerator programme in January. It describes the scheme as a pay-it-forward model – it does not take equity but instead creates an ecosystem of co-development and co-innovation. 
It launched a pilot start-up accelerator centre in the Indian tech capital of Bangalore in April last year. Its success – 80% of the firms have received funding – prompted it to plan seven more across the globe, with Bristol the first of these.
The move allows it to tap into Bristol’s world-class tech innovation by teaming up with the successful University of Bristol-backed SETsquared incubator.
The programme, which runs for six months from August 1, will be housed at Bristol’s Engine Shed innovation hub, home to SETsquared Bristol.
Applications are already being received from across the UK. Interested start-ups have until July 2 to apply for one of the five spaces.
Oracle describes the startup program as the ‘next generation acceleration initiative’ that ‘reimagines enterprise innovation through partnerships with start-ups that foster co-development and co-innovation’.
It said by teaming up with SETsquared Bristol, part of the award-winning global No 1 incubator, it will be able to provide a framework to nurture development.
The incubator will be providing free business support, with guidance from multiple entrepreneurs-in-residence. As part of the programme, Oracle has committed to providing cloud credits, access to enterprise clients and tech and product expertise.
SETsquared Bristol centre director Monika Radclyffe said: “The value of start-ups in the tech industry is booming and Oracle recognises the importance of this to the global tech economy.
“Roles are changing fast as corporates understand the need for innovation and, consequently, the opportunities that working with entrepreneurs uncovers. Through their startup programme, Oracle is giving back to the tech community by providing a fantastic chance for start-ups to use their expertise and through opening up connections between entrepreneurs and large, established enterprises.
“SETsquared Bristol is well placed to provide direct support and expertise to incubate start-ups in readiness for scaling up and we are excited to see what the UK-based Oracle startup program can deliver.”
Reggie Bradford, three-time entrepreneur and SVP Startup Ecosystem & Accelerator, Oracle, added: “Oracle is investing in startups with a unique approach: A pay-it-forward model where we don’t take equity but do create an ecosystem of co-development and co-innovation across startups, our global customers, and Oracle.
“It’s a next-generation acceleration initiative for startups—and the vibrant Bristol ecosystem is burgeoning and prime for our global program.
“It’s about reimagining the startup and enterprise relationship – we’ll need startup ingenuity coupled with enterprise experience and resources to innovate for the future.”
Once completed, the OSCA graduates are invited to pitch at the Start-up Showcase event with the possible opportunity to participate at Oracle OpenWorld and Oracle CloudWorld.
More information about the program can be found here with applications to be submitted online https://www.oracle.com/uk/startup/apply.html
Pictured above: Oracle’s Reggie Bradford speaking at the launch of the Bristol Accelerator earlier this year.
