Rocket Duck - Supporting the next generation of tech founders in Plymouth

Calling all fledgling entrepreneurs, Rocket Duck is on the launchpad.

A new series of events designed to support emerging entrepreneurs and the next generation of tech founders in Plymouth to connect, collaborate, and launch new startups is ready for lift-off. The team at Digital Plymouth is thrilled to announce they’ve secured funding from the UK Government’s Regional Tech Booster programme to deliver this crucial new project for the city.

In partnership with local businesses, universities, and the wider tech and startup ecosystem, Digital Plymouth’s Rocket Duck will provide an inclusive, hands-on environment where students, creatives, and aspiring entrepreneurs can explore ideas, build teams, and gain the skills and confidence needed to turn concepts into viable ventures.

The pilot invites participants from across the city to take part. This includes, but isn't limited to, students from the higher education institutions such as the University of Plymouth, Arts University Plymouth, Plymouth Marjon University, and City College Plymouth. Through a series of practical meetups and an intensive weekend “Launchpad” event, the initiative aims to foster new connections between technical, creative, and business talent, while offering real-world experience in testing, validating, and pitching ideas.

Running alongside Digital Plymouth’s established quarterly meetups, the Rocket Duck pilot will help build the foundations for a stronger, more connected startup pipeline in the South West. Designed to deliver hands-on early-stage support, the programme will help aspiring founders to develop their ideas, build teams, and gain experience, creating a pipeline of validated startups ready to engage with wider initiatives such as the TechSW Growth Forge Accelerator.

Paul Bird, Director, Digital Plymouth, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled and grateful for this investment which will enable us to continue our work in helping, supporting and nurturing the amazing talent within the digital community in Plymouth . Our Rocket Duck taster events through the winter months will culminate in a launchpad weekender in the spring,  turbo charging opportunities for budding digital entrepreneurs and tech start ups. The Digital Plymouth team will be here to help our community to navigate the exciting journey  from fledgling ideas and creating your founding team to pitching for your place on the coveted TechSW Growth Forge Accelerator programme”

Dan Pritchard, Founder, Tech South West, said: “Across the South West, collaboration is driving real momentum in our tech ecosystem. Rocket Duck is a fantastic example of partners coming together to support early-stage founders, helping people turn ideas into ventures while building the skills and networks they need to thrive. It strengthens the pathway into initiatives like our Growth Forge Accelerator and contributes to a more connected, resilient region for tech innovation.”

The Rocket Duck pilot project is part of the Regional Tech Booster programme, funded by the UK Government and supported by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology in partnership with the UK Tech Cluster Group.

To find out more and register for the first Rocket Duck Meetup, visit: www.meetup.com/digital-plymouth/events/311868734/

For more information about Digital Plymouth, visit: www.digitalplymouth.co.uk/