From Arise to Global Stage: Arise Members Join the Connected Innovation Delegation in Helsinki

Three Arise members have been selected to join the Connected Innovation delegation travelling to Helsinki for Slush 2026, one of the world's leading events for startups, investors and technology leaders. Out of just nine businesses chosen from across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, a third of the delegation comes from the Arise community.

The selected founders are Jamie Tidman of ND Lens, Ekene Ukemenam of Aerial Icon and Scott Dean of Sensore. Together, they represent the ambition, innovation and entrepreneurial talent being developed across our ecosystem.

This November, they will travel to Helsinki with fellow founders from across the region, creating opportunities to build international connections, explore investment opportunities and showcase their businesses on a global stage.

Before travelling, each founder will take part in a programme of workshops and preparation sessions designed to strengthen their business story, build confidence for investor conversations and help them make the most of every opportunity at the event.

Among those selected is ND Lens, founded by Jamie Tidman. The company is transforming ADHD assessmentsthrough the use of artificial intelligence, helping to make the process more accessible. They’re trying to cut the NHS waiting time of 2-8 years by increasing clinician efficiency. By combining technology with a commitment to improving healthcare outcomes, ND Lens is tackling a challenge that affects individuals, clinicians and healthcare providers alike.

Aerial Icon, led by Ekene Ukemenam, is transforming digital healthcare through immersive, AI-powered VR therapy. The company develops innovative virtual reality treatments for anxiety, phobias, and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), making mental health support more engaging, accessible, and effective.

Completing the Arise trio is Sensore, founded by Scott Dean. The business is developing a smart fabric sensor that uniquely enables continuous, real-time pressure mapping and smart repositioning alerts to monitor, predict and prevent pressure ulcers - revolutionising pressure care for wheelchair users and social care.

The success of these three businesses shows the strength of the Arise ecosystem across the East of England and the impact of collaboration between founders, industry and support organisations. It also highlights the growing number of businesses using Arise as a platform to develop new ideas, build connections and accelerate growth.

Arise is pleased to work with Connected Innovation who play an important role in supporting ambitious businesses across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. The organisation brings together leading innovation, science and research hubs to create one of the UK's most collaborative regional innovation clusters. Its programmes help businesses access innovation support, funding opportunities and strategic connections, while making it easier for government departments and agencies to engage with the region's thriving innovation community.

For now, we would like to congratulate Jamie, Ekene and Scott on this achievement. We look forward to following their journey from Arise to Helsinki and seeing the connections, opportunities and ideas that emerge from the experience.