APPLICATIONS are coming in from all over the world to take part in a business accelerator programme based at Teesside University.

Organisers of Searchcamp are reminding businesses that they have only four days to submit their applications for the 12 week immersive programme for technology and internet startups.

The 10 successful businesses will live and work at Teesside University’s Middlesbrough Campus while they develop their business using ‘Lean Startup’ principles.

Each business will be given up to £15,000 in seed capital in return for Searchcamp receiving a small stake in their business.

Programme director Bobby Paterson said: “Interest has been absolutely phenomenal, we’re delighted with how well the application process is going.

“We’ve already seen some really exciting products and ideas. We’ve had scores of entries from all around the world including Brazil, Canada, USA, Russia, Belgium and Italy.

“However, what’s particularly encouraging is that we’ve also had a lot of really good entries from right here on Teesside. This is something totally new and we’re very excited about what it may achieve.

“We’re still accepting entries and we really hope that as many people as possible submit applications between now and May 5.”

Searchcamp will be officially launched at an event on Tuesday May 7 at the Phoenix Building at Teesside University attended by several leading entrepreneurs and business figures.

Throughout the 12 week programme the businesses will have access to mentoring from leading figures in the business world as well as weekly masterclasses from internationally-renowned speakers.

At the end of the three months, the businesses will then be given the chance to pitch their product or service to leading venture capitalists and angel investors.

They will also be offered the chance of up to £150,000 of follow-on funding and a place within Searchcamp’s incubator unit in Middlesbrough’s Boho zone.

For more information about Searchcamp and to apply online visit www.searchcamp.co