It has been an arduous journey to this point. But we are finally here. Our application to the prestigious Young Academy has been accepted. After at least 10 applications to at least 10 different funders/accelerators and it is lucky n^th that has finally made it through for us.

I questioned myself after so many rejections including my sanity. Why was I doing this to myself? To keep persisting through and developing yet another proposal for yet another accelerator ending nowhere.  However, with every application I learnt something each time about myself, the project itself and our beneficiaries so it was all a worth while process. The main comfort was in the fact that I must have been doing something right because I was able to secure a few interviews meaning we were getting closer and closer to the goal. And that goal was to be a part of an organisation that believed in our work, added value and allowed us to explore with guidance and structure.

First few applications were a resounding no. I don’t blame them looking back at my amateur attempt thinking pure passion and humour would be enough to get through. Alas, nay. Then after maybe 6 applications I secured an interview. The Abertay Fund agreed to meet us but then predictably failed to see our proposition in the exciting light we did. I didn’t lose hope, maybe a little self confidence but hopelessly hopeful each time. More applications to other accelerators; Seedcamp, Wayra, UnLtd, Emerge Venture, BBCLABS, Nominet Trust, Bethnal Green, IC_Tomorrow, School for Creative Startups. The last one actually accepted us but then it’s not surprising considering it would have cost £1000. I decided not to go with them in the end. I also felt they would benefit more from me than I from them. Arrogant or valuing myself? Well I definitely had to value myself in this process. As hard and demoralising as it all was I had to value my own experiences over the years of building a publishing business and this attitude helped me continue forward with yet another application.

And here we are; accepted on one of the most prestigious educational incubators in the country that also happens to be perfect for us; The Young Academy. We will be based in Nottingham and am reading all about how much science is celebrated on many levels in the area as well as good hotels! The University of Nottingham is only 2.9 miles from where we will be based – that’s right I plugged in the postcodes because I plan on visiting there very soon. Trent University is also supportive of STEM. Yes this location is indeed perfect. I truly hope, and happen to believe, we can support the local community with our little venture through creating jobs as well as a buzz around STEM games. The timing is perfect too with Full STEAM Ahead! campaign going strong.

So it’s true what they say, that cliché about putting your mind to it you can accomplish it…eventually. Well what can I add to all this, just this; perfect.