New partnership to inspire British innovators

Mouser has agreed a partnership with the Central Research Laboratory (CRL) intended to expedite the growth and learning of product makers and startups in the United Kingdom.

CRL is the UK’s first purpose-built hardware accelerator programme and is working with its 7th cohort of members. Applicants who are admitted into the accelerator programme are based at CRL for an intensive, hands-on, six-month programme concentrated on product development, commercial strategy and investor readiness.

Mouser is playing a vital role in the product development process, including providing the start-ups with design tools and resources, empowering them to access the latest technology, and connecting them with a comprehensive network of supplier technical experts. Furthermore, the company also provides specific technological insights through open events and workshops, including CRL’s Demo Day in November, which allows applicants in each cohort to pitch and demonstrate their inventions to possible investors and partners.

CRL’s startup incubator assists people with outstanding design and engineering talent to benefit not only from entrepreneurial advice and support for their commercial product ideas but also to obtain the essential manufacturing machinery and product hardware required to make those ideas come to life. CRL supports entrepreneurs at each stage of the journey, from concept development through prototyping and first batch production to scaling up for commercial orders. The incubator enables inventors to concentrate on growing their businesses by giving them opportunities for mentoring and funding along the way.

“We are excited to be involved in this inspiring new partnership with CRL. After our first meeting with them three years ago, we knew CRL had the potential to help grow and encourage product innovation, and this is why they were selected for the partnership,” explains Mark Patrick, technical marketing manager, EMEA Mouser Electronics. “As a global distribution company focused on empowering innovation, we are committed to helping hardware entrepreneurs and inventors reach commercial success. It is our mission to help makers and innovators, not only by empowering them with the widest range of component suppliers at their fingertips but also by sharing practical expertise, tips and advice on electronics.”

Toby Kress, managing director of the CRL, adds, “Many of our startups rely on Mouser for components as they develop their prototypes and products, and we’re thrilled to be working with them in this new partnership to bring even more support to the innovators and inventors we support. I can’t wait to see the exciting startup successes that come out of this collaboration and be able to share their stories with the world.”