Five Welsh entrepreneurs have been recognized for outstanding progress after completing the Business Wales Start-Up Accelerator. The latest cohort highlights how intensive, targeted support can transform early-stage ideas into investment-ready companies.
The winners completed the ten-week accelerator program and were recognized in five categories, reflecting both the breadth and quality of entrepreneurial talent emerging across Wales. Overall, the cohort demonstrated strong momentum in moving from concept to customer, validating proposals and developing clear growth strategies.
The 2026 award winners
Proposition Flex Award
For the most flexible approach to developing a launch proposal
Winner: Chris Hughes, Tecwila
Founded in Anglesey, Tewila is a taste-led spirits brand working with a Mexican distillery to produce consistent, small batch spirits for the UK market. During the program, the company completed initial production and brand development and is now preparing for wider distribution.
Accelerator Award
For the person who has made the most progress during the program
Winner: Dr. Emma Marie Williams, GlitterBrain Psychology
GlitterBrain provides psychology-based self-help and therapy resources for adults, including neurodivergent clients. The platform focuses on practical, accessible mental health and life management tools designed to create lasting change through small, achievable steps.
Dr. Williams said: “Winning the Accelerator Award feels great because it shows how far we have come. Ten weeks ago I had passion and a vision but no clear strategy. The program helped me test my assumptions and improve my business skills and now I have a clear plan for growth.”
Sales Accelerator Award
For the greatest possible ambition in building and accelerating a sales funnel
Winner: Silvia Sanchez, Classer Ltd
Classer provides software that helps GoPro and action camera users organize, store and share video footage, allowing customers to manage large amounts of content and relive their experiences more easily.
Accelerator Champion Award
For commitment and positivity throughout the program
Winner: Sakshi Mahajan, Hashview
Hashview is a next-generation trust engine for SMBs that combines SaaS analytics, AI-driven sentiment analysis, and geo-fencing technology to deliver authentic, real-time customer feedback.
Award for the most collaborative participant
For providing exceptional support to colleagues throughout the program
Winner: Vignesh Pathmaraj, Elements Technology (Elements Supply AI)
Elements Supply AI provides AI-powered sourcing and parts intelligence for manufacturing and industrial companies, streamlining procurement and supplier management through automation and data-driven insights.
Accelerator effect: LanoTech’s £470,000 investment pipeline
The success of the latest cohort comes as applications are open for the next Start-Up Accelerator program, running from May 12 to July 17, 2026. The longer-term impact of the program is illustrated by Aberystwyth-based LanoTech, which has secured a £470,000 investment pipeline since its completion in July 2025.
LanoTech is pioneering the use of lanolin – the natural fat in sheep’s wool – as a sustainable alternative to soy and vegetable oils in animal feed. Following the accelerator, the company secured £120,000 through the Welsh Government’s Contracts for Innovation Cymru program to fund the world’s first live poultry feed trials. Founder Clodagh Weingart later secured a further £350,000 from Innovate UK for a project due to start in 2026.
Laboratory tests have shown that lanolin has a higher gross energy content than traditional feed oils, enabling the company to create new value streams for UK wool producers while reducing the carbon footprint of agriculture.
“The foundation provided by the Start-Up Accelerator has been instrumental in positioning LanoTech for scale,” said Weingart. “The program gave me the structure to develop a compelling investment case and the confidence to articulate our vision to funders. Moving from concept to securing almost half a million pounds of funding within months of graduating demonstrates the practical impact of this intensive support.”
Lucy Jones, operations director of the Business Wales Start-Up Accelerator, said the results reflected exactly what the program was designed to achieve.
“The main purpose of the Start-Up Accelerator is to help founders secure investments, acquire their first customers and refine their business models,” she said. “LanoTech’s success demonstrates how structured methodology, expert guidance and a strong peer network combine to create the conditions for growth.”
The Start-Up Accelerator is part of the Accelerated Growth Programme, a Business Wales service funded by the Welsh Government. Over ten weeks, founders will be supported to validate demand, refine their offering and attract early customers through webinars, masterclasses, one-on-one mentoring and access to investors and industry specialists. Additionally, AI tools are integrated to support market research, creativity and speed to market.
The program is aimed at Wales-based entrepreneurs with pre-revenue ideas capable of achieving an annual turnover of £1 million, creating at least ten full-time jobs and exporting by 2029. Financial support is available to address barriers to participation.
The application deadline for the May 2026 Start-Up Accelerator is Monday 30 March 2026. Expressions of interest can be made via Business Wales.
