Tanzii TV aims to make active movement fun and engaging for children. It was set up during lockdown by Ottavio and Dario who were working in a local primary school at the time. To keep spirits high and get children moving, the duo posted weekly fitness videos on YouTube, reaching over 1 million children worldwide. They have since expanded to providing workshops all over the UK, as well as their online content and have worked with the Mayor’s Fund For London, Ukactive and Nike to spread their message. They were also recently awarded an Innovation in Education Award at the Leicestershire Live Awards in 2022.
The brothers said: “Just over a year ago we started our journey with the Studio and ever since our business has shaped and grown into what it is today. The Studio offers so many amazing opportunities, and we have particularly benefited from their online workshops, support from likeminded entrepreneurs and accessing the Start Up Fund. Together, this has really accelerated our business forward and given us the confidence to reach our potential!”
Moti Me is designed to help with physiotherapy at home for children with disabilities such as cerebal palsy. Physiotherapy becomes more fun for the child and less stressful for the parent by providing physiotherapy guidance through a handheld product, mat and app. The adaptable product is designed for low dexterity and reduced body movement, with multi-sensory functions to make it easier for children with disabilities to interact with.
Katie Michaels, founder of Moti Me, said: “The Studio has supported me with starting up my business as I have been able to make connections with various expertise in the physiotherapy and manufacturing field, as well access a range of educational seminars where I have learnt so much.
“I have also had access to funding through the University which has been a massive help to cover initial costs. I highly recommend the Studio programme to anyone looking to start a business. Without the Studio, I wouldn’t have been able to progress to where I am today.”
The Athlete Place platform is designed to help young athletes and their parents to navigate the world of elite sport. It seeks to revolutionise track and field athletics by providing the UK's first independent information, guidance, and support platform created specifically for parents. The platform utilises the lived experiences of elite athletes and role models with an aim to optimise athlete performance and wellbeing.
Joe Fuggle, the founder, said: “The Studio has enabled me to progress The Athlete Place from just an idea to an ambitious start-up with momentum. The workspace is awesome, and the support on offer is second-to-none. Being surrounded by like-minded entrepreneurs who understand what it's like makes the journey much less lonely and reduces a lot of guesswork - this aligns greatly with The Athlete Place’s vision.”
The Studio provides access to the resources, facilities, expertise and knowledge to help Loughborough graduates develop new, innovative and sustainable businesses. Since 2011, they’ve supported over 90 businesses and more than 100 entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses, helping to create 90+ jobs, 25+ internships and 70+ volunteering opportunities.
Find out more about The Studio.
Read more from the University’s Children and Young People campaign.