CRL Accelerator - Female Founders
Build better. Scale smarter.
The CRL Accelerator is one of the UK’s leading programmes for early-stage, product-based businesses. Over three months, selected startups gain access to dedicated product development experts, 24/7 prototyping facilities, funding guidance, and a powerful network of mentors and partners.
If you're developing a hardware innovation or physical product and are serious about taking it to market, the CRL Accelerator is where you build real momentum. From supply chain strategy to manufacturing prep and product compliance, you’ll get hands-on, real-time guidance at every step from our specialist Product Development team: Studio Matter.
This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
We are accepting applications until 15th August 2025.
About
Delivered from our state-of-the-art workshop in Slough, the CRL Accelerator will support two focused cohorts of startups until March 2026. Starting with the first ever female founders cohort and our second cohort with a lens on advanced manufacturing.
Each cohort will support 3–4 product-led businesses developing innovations in fields like robotics, medtech, clean tech, consumer electronics, or advanced materials.
Participants receive 10 days of hands-on support from a multidisciplinary product development team, alongside expert-led sessions, free workspace, 24/7 access to prototyping facilities, and access to mentorship. The programme culminates in a high-profile showcase event; Demo Day in March 2026.
Each startup is paired with a dedicated product lead to shape their development plan, unblock challenges, and confidently move from prototype to production.
Eligibility
To be eligible for selection you must have:
- A business registered or operating in London, UK
- A prototype (it does not have to be pretty or very advanced!)
- Technical knowledge relevant to your hardware development
- The desire to build a scalable product-based business
- A product or business model displaying genuine innovation
- The ability to attend the programme in person in Slough (times to be confirmed on an individual basis)
- A female founder
We champion diversity in innovation and strongly encourage applications from founders historically underrepresented in tech.
Programme features
This programme is delivered in partnership with:
For more infomation visit Mayor of London and GOV.
The people I have met here make it a dream coming in a few times a week! I don't see myself being able to go back to working from home the same way I did before coming to Plus X Innovation, I don't think I could leave the sense of community behind. It really is something everyone who is working from home should try!
Central Research Laboratory has contributed to our journey in many ways: access to a network, manufacturing, procurement services, and workshop facilities. CRL enables us to feel like a slightly bigger company than we would otherwise be if left to our own devices. Being here at CRL as a cohort member, makes it feel a lot more real and plugged in into the ecosystem.
Besides the workshop facilities, the best thing about working in the Brighton hub has got to be being able to collaborate with people in the same building as you. The variety of expertise and experience in the building is awesome.
We could not be in a better place to grow as a company. We get amazing support from the Plus X Innovation staff, plus collaboration opportunities with the other inspiring residents and companies. We feel like we’re living in the future of workplaces in the present and that is pretty damn cool.
Through my time at Plus X Innovation my business has turned from a student project into a registered R&D company. My favourite thing about being at Plus X Brighton is having a mini family in the office and a beautiful space to be the best you and make the best connections.
Programme Key Dates
15th August - Applications close
25th August - 5th September - Interviews (successful applicants will be invited to an interview)
8th September - Confirmation of your space on the programme. 3-4 companies will be asked to join the CRL Accelerator.
16th September - Programme starts
16th December - Programme ends
19th March - Demo Day - live showcase event.
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the Programme Manager, Thaya Panayiotou.
