Mouser, UK's CRL renew start-up partnership agreement

For the second consecutive year, the distributor will be supporting the Start-up Accelerator program, which will enhance the growth and learning of product makers and start-ups in the United Kingdom.

Based in Hayes, west London, CRL is the UK's first purpose-built hardware accelerator program and is currently working with its eighth cohort of members.

Applicants accepted into the Accelerator program are based at the CRL for an intensive, hands-on, six-month program focused on product development, commercial strategy and investor readiness.

This year's program includes an exciting calendar of live events that started with a two-day Hackathon on May 24 and concludes in November following Demo Day and Investor Day.

Mouser will play a vital role in the product development process, providing the start-ups with design tools and resources, enabling them to access the latest technology, and connecting them with an extensive network of supplier technical experts.

Additionally, Mouser will also provide specific technological insights through open events and workshops, including CRL's Demo Day in November, which offers an opportunity for applicants in each cohort to pitch and demonstrate their inventions to potential investors and partners.

CRL's start-up incubator helps people with outstanding design and engineering talent to not only benefit from entrepreneurial advice, but also to access the essential manufacturing machinery and product hardware needed to make those ideas physically come to life.

CRL supports entrepreneurs at every stage of the journey, from concept development and prototyping to scaling up for commercial orders. The incubator allows inventors to focus on growing their businesses by providing them with opportunities for mentoring and funding along the way.

"We are excited to be supporting CRL again in 2021, especially after witnessing the incredibly successful program last year. We've seen CRL grow and encourage some brilliant start-ups, and we've been able to support by offering expertise, connections, tools, and resources," explains Mark Patrick (pictured), Technical Marketing Manager, EMEA Mouser Electronics. "As a global distribution company focused on empowering innovation, 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, Programs Director of the CRL, adds, "We're thrilled to be working with Mouser again this year, and we look forward to seeing how Mouser will support 2021's innovators and inventors.

Many of our start-ups rely on Mouser for components as they develop their prototypes and products, but we also saw invaluable benefit from Mouser's extensive supplier network last year as Mouser was able to put start-ups in touch with relevant suppliers for design and development support."