GigAbout, The Happiest Hour and Randomizer are the result of a partnership between the university and the technology company.
Teeside University’s partnership with Dubai-based technology company Clicksco has started paying off, as 11 students have set up three startups as a result of the Clickscelerate programme.
GigAbout, an online platform for venues and bands, the Happiest Hour, an app helping customers find discounts, and Randomizer, an app helping indecisive people select a place for a night out, all graduated from a 12-week programme set up by the collaboration.
The programme was headed by Paul Callaghan, director of TwentyThreeMiles, the investment fund of Clicksco. It offered participating students mentoring from Clicksco and faculty, and organised guest talks by staff from major technology firms including Google.
GigAbout is now looking towards a DigitalCity Fellowship, which would allow it to apply for £4,000 ($6,500) for each member to cover living costs while they continue development of the app.
They also benefited from guidance and mentoring by Clicksco UK and University staff, as well invited guests from major international technology firms including Google.
Paul Callaghan 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 is even more pleasing to see that one of those is about to be launched on the App Store and another group 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.”
