Tech Growth Lab
Tech Growth Lab is a new pilot programme designed for technology businesses that are ready to accelerate growth. Over a three month period, founders and senior team members will explore the key elements of scaling a business successfully, from leadership and culture to growth finance and AI adoption.
Delivered at Plus X Innovation in Brighton, this fully funded programme combines structured learning with peer-to-peer collaboration and direct access to regional innovation networks.
Tech Growth Lab is a new pilot programme from Plus X Innovation. It forms part of the wider Brighton & Sussex Innovation Partnership for Scale-Up Growth - a joint initiative with Sussex Innovation, supported by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) as part of the national Regional Tech Booster.
This fully funded programme, delivered in collaboration with Silicon Brighton, is designed to support scaling and early scale-up tech businesses based in Brighton, Sussex and the surrounding regions. Over four months, you'll have the chance to take part in practical workshops, connect with other founders, hear from experienced industry voices, and access to innovation spaces. The programme is focused on helping leadership teams build the skills, clarity and confidence they need to grow.
It’s a rare opportunity to step back, reflect, and plan your next move with the support of a trusted community. And it's completely free to join.
Why Join the Tech Growth Lab?
- Strengthen your leadership and growth strategy to build a resilient team, make confident decisions, and lead through the next stage of growth.
- Improve your investment readiness by understanding what funders are looking for, so you can prepare your business to attract and secure capital.
- Learn how to apply AI tools to streamline operations and boost productivity, giving you more time to focus on growth, not admin.
- Access a trusted peer group of founders facing similar scale-up challenges, sharing insights, sounding boards, and lessons learned.
- Get exposure to Brighton’s and Sussex’s wider innovation network, including advisors, mentors, and partners who can open new doors.
- Explore Plus X Innovation’s facilities like the prototyping workshop and collaborative spaces to accelerate product development and team collaboration.
- Stay connected beyond the programme by becoming part of the Plus X Innovation community. Your discounted membership during the programme helps you build lasting relationships and continue collaborating with your peers.
What to Expect
- Four half-day sessions between November 2025 and February 2026.
- Held in person at Plus X Innovation Brighton.
- Content themes include leadership and team resilience, investment readiness, and practical applications of AI for operational efficiency.
- Cohort-based learning with flexibility for drop-in attendance, tailored to the needs of busy founders and leadership teams.
- Free access to the hub on programme days, with additional access available for those exploring facilities or seeking deeper engagement.
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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.
Who It's For
We’re looking for scaling and early scale-up tech businesses who:
- Are beyond ideation stage and already trading with a defined product and customer base.
- Are preparing for, or already experiencing, a period of rapid growth, and are ready to deepen their leadership, explore investment options, or embed AI to scale more effectively.
- Have a founder or leadership team ready to engage fully in peer learning and strategic planning.
- Are based in Brighton, Sussex, or the wider South East.
- Are ambitious, impact-driven, and ready to make the most of this opportunity.
We’re especially keen to welcome a diverse mix of businesses and founders who will help shape the future of scale-up support in the region.
How to Apply
Applications are now open.
To be considered, please complete the full application form. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a brief selection interview with the Plus X Innovation team.
Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a registered technology business based in Brighton, Sussex, or the South East.
- Be actively scaling or preparing for scale, with a clear product-market fit.
- Commit to attending the majority of sessions and actively contributing to peer learning. While full attendance is encouraged, we recognise some flexibility may be required.
- Have an existing team, or demonstrable plans to build one.
