Ignite100 applications close 17th July

Ignite100 is a new incubator program based in Newcastle that gives teams up to £100K in funding. It replaces the Difference Engine incubator.

Initially teams get £5,000 per founder (up to £15,000) and move to Newcastle for a 13 week intensive program and after completing the program (and achieving certain agreed milestones) then they gain the rest of the £100,000 as a convertible loan note.

The program is supported by Finance for Business North East Technology Fund, managed by IP Group plc, and from the Finance for Business North East Proof of Concept Fund, managed by Northstar Ventures, together with a group of angel investors including Hotspur Capital Partners and Green Lane Capital.

Ignite100 is accepting applications now and applicants my apply here.

Skype releases v5.2 for MacOS X

Skype have just released version 5.2 for Mac, it now supports group video calling (and sharing screens when in a group video call). Unfortunately these features require a Skype Premium subscription, though a seven day trial is available - a day pass costs £2.99 +VAT while or £4.99 +VAT per month.

There's also a few new features that allow easier multi-tasking so if you move to another program, controls are still available in the video control bar to mute or end the call. The history and contacts areas have also been decluttered making Skype more manageable.

Skype will upgrade via the program itself or directly from here.