EY Startup Challenge looking for technology firms

EY has announced the launch of the second edition of its ‘Startup Challenge’, this time seeking 10 technology startups that focus on intelligent customer interactions and increased visibility along the supply chain. The ten startups will follow an intense eight-week innovation programme during which they receive mentorship and coaching from EY as well as access to its networks and funding.

The Startup Challenge was first launched by EY in September 2014, together with Pivotal Innovations, Level39, and of a number of technology, media and telecommunications clients, in search of seven suitable and promising technology startups that would help companies tackle the data privacy issues arising from the EU General Data Protection Regulation and the ‘Right to be Forgotten’.

After a successful first edition, EY recently announced the start of a second Challenge, this time searching for ten leading technology startups with innovative technologies focussed on finding new ways to achieve more intelligent customer interactions and increased visibility along the supply chain. The ten startups that will be selected will enter an intensive 8 week programme with EY and its clients, during which they will receive mentorship and training, access to EY clients and funding, on-going support, and a shared workplace in London for the duration of the programme.

“Innovative startup technologies are critical to unlocking the business challenges of the future, and we're delighted to launch the second EY Startup Challenge. Providing high-potential entrepreneurs with access to our people and clients to help solve their most complex problems creates a real opportunity for small businesses with big ideas to forge ahead with the new, dynamics technologies of tomorrow, and will guide technological innovation on its route to market,” comments Richard Taylor, Advisory Sector Lead for Consumer Products at EY.

Errol Gardner, Enterprise Intelligence Leader for EMEIA Financial Services at EY, adds: “As people, activities and objects become increasingly connected, data through the supply chain has become the currency of good business. The scope to derive insight from data, gain foresight, and enable better decision-making has increased exponentially, presenting a new landscape for solving business challenges. One of the UK’s key competitive strengths is its tech startups, and the established firms that tap into this will have a competitive advantage.”