Beyond the grant: How Callaghan drives success

Aside from the funding which it makes available to further the (typically costly) research and development process, Thomson explains how Callaghan delivers the boost which can take a great idea and fledgling company, to international success. “While grants provide the much-needed capital especially for early stage businesses, perhaps even more important is the work we do to assist with product development. From there, we have the networks to connect entrepreneurs with the most appropriate incubator programme, and also with the investor community.”

Those incubators include Icehouse, Creative HQ, Lightning Labs and more. “An essential aspect of taking an idea and turning it into a product or solution, and then a business which can sell internationally, is to establish in which portion of the value chain that idea can occupy. While capital is crucial, it is this aspect which Callaghan and its networks really steps up and provides essential guidance on,” Thomson explains.

What he believes is key to the success of its engagement with entrepreneurs is the full range of contact available. “That goes from a chat over coffee which might spark an idea, right through to joint ventures and formal collaborations. With so many stakeholders in energy, we can all only benefit through increased understanding throughout the value chain.”