Nesta HQ to host tech-focused accelerator for social ventures

We're opening up our doors to a host of new ventures all dedicated to using tech for social good. Alongside the Cabinet Office and Nominet Trust, we're supporting Bethnal Green Ventures, Europe's first accelerator dedicated to tech-focused start-ups addressing social and environmental issues.

Bethnal Green Ventures is one of the first organisations to receive funding through the Social Incubator Fund. Together with Nominet Trust, we've matched the Cabinet Office's investment, awarding a combined total of £1.8 million investment to the accelerator. 

The investment will be used to fund a four year programme which will see up to 20 start-ups per year, all with social and environmental aims, develop their offering through workshops, mentoring, legal and administrative support as well as financial backing. We'll be housing them at Nesta's London HQ and they'll also have use of Google's Shoreditch campus.

Bethnal Green Ventures has already incubated 12 start-ups since it launched in 2011, including Good Gym which Nesta is also supporting through the Innovation in Giving Fund.

If you're an early stage technology venture with an idea on how to tackle problems in health and ageing, education and employment, and sustainability you'll be able to apply for the summer 2013 programme from 6 March 2013.

Workshops will be running throughout March and April for those interested in applying. You can find out more at www.bethnalgreenventures.com