The University of Suffolk is all about transformation – transforming individuals, our community, our region and beyond. We have absorbed the best traditions in higher education and aligned them with the modern world of employment and entrepreneurship. We are a distinctive, thriving academic community making a clear and immediate impact. Our purpose is to change lives – of individuals and communities, for the better. We are at a key stage in our journey, and enterprise and entrepreneurship are central to this.

From Spring 2022, the University’s coworking space has been relaunched to become the Innovation Labs at University of Suffolk (ILUOS), established as a focal point for developing entrepreneurs, start-ups and promoting innovation.

The ILUOS is a coworking community situated in The Atrium (on the Ipswich campus) and is close to the spectacular Ipswich Waterfront. It provides access to hot desk space, networking and collaborative opportunities, and enables for quick contact with the University Business Engagement, Careers and Employability Directorate, who also work within the same location.

University students and graduates are able to join ILOUS at discounted rates, and it will play a key role in the growth of support and activities in relation to student enterprise. Students and graduates are currently able to access 1:1 support, and can get involved with extra-curricular workshops and events that take place throughout the year, providing targeted support for those starting up or expanding businesses, wanting to pursue freelance careers, or are just interested to know more.

In 2021/22, we launched the Entrepreneurs Forge, a programme of activity for both students/graduates and the local business community, issuing our first start-up grants to successful students. A variety of other initiatives take place across our courses, including Hackathons and Enterprise awards; our Games Hub, in operation since 2016, has supported a number of Games students to successfully enter Tranzfuser.

Main contacts:

Amy Carpenter – Head of Careers, Employability and Enterprise (a.carpenter2@uos.ac.uk)

Emma Wakeling – Head of Business Development and Knowledge Exchange (e.wakeling@uos.ac.uk)

General enquires: engage@uos.ac.uk or careers@uos.ac.uk

Website: https://www.uos.ac.uk