Written by Lynn O'Byrne
Surrey: Green Tech Jam
University of Surrey has launched an innovative new module in the School of Computer Sciences and Electronic Engineering, which flips the focus of software engineering to incorporate social impact from the outset. “Green Tech Jam” hits the intersection of technology and sustainability, equipping students to create web apps that tackle socio-environmental challenges across a range of sectors.
Led by Senior Lecturer Stella Kazamia, it is supported by the University’s cross-faculty Hackathon team including Student Enterprise Manager Kat Mack and Associate Dean International, Shelini Surendran, prize-funded by the Engineers In Business Fellowship. Contact us for more about making curricular hackathons work.
RGU: Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence
Robert Gordon University welcomes Diana Gormley, a former design engineer and award-winning founder, as its new Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence. Diana brings over 12 years of industry experience in design and technical engineering. Her entrepreneurial journey includes founding an award-winning children’s clothing company, Always Fun Clothing, recognised for ethical maternity and children’s wear. Diana will work with the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Group and support them to foster an entrepreneurial spirit among RGU’s staff and students, with an initial focus on STEM subjects, leveraging her expertise gained through her engineering design experience and her entrepreneurial talent.
Bangor: Mentee Testimonial, Dr Beth Edwards, Bangor University
Being relatively new to the Enterprise Education world, the mentoring has been crucial in supporting me to develop my own identity within the landscape. Through empowering and supportive conversations, I feel more confident in myself within my daily work and contributing to wider events. It’s enabled me to seek opportunities, e.g, sharing my work, that previously I’d have not done. The scheme’s organisation has been helpful, including the matching process. Having access to a mentor with such expertise and knowledge has inspired me and encouraged me to seek additional opportunities to collaborate, share, and showcase work in the future”.
Envestors: Innovator Business Founder Visa Information Sessions
Would you like to provide a briefing session to your students on the new IBF visa scheme? Envestors, endorsing body for the IBF Visa, can partner with you to run information sessions to help your students understand if the scheme is right for them and how to apply. Please note they will not be able to comment on specific applications. If you would like Envestors to run a session at your University, please reach out to Michael North at michael.north@envestors.co.uk
Stirling: Ecosystem Fund
“The University of Stirling is delighted to have received funding from Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise through their Ecosystem Fund, to support delivery of a pilot project of enterprise skills training for Young People (those aged 18-30) across the Forth Valley region. The two-phase project aims to enhance accessibility to start-up support for equity-deserving individuals and widen participation in entrepreneurial activity by not only inspiring, encouraging and showcasing relatable founder role models but by providing practical support via a 7 week pre-accelerator training programme. For more information, please contact the University of Stirling’s Enterprise team at enterprise@stir.ac.uk”
York: Mentorship Scheme
The University of York’s Biorenewables Development Centre has launched a new mentorship scheme to support people working on or towards circular and bio-based business. This piece of work is an expansion of a pilot project earlier in the year, and will develop into wider support including an investment readiness programme. The activity is part of the BioYorkshire initiative, which seeks to create the first carbon negative region of the UK.
Northumbria: Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
I am very pleased to share that our spinout project Solar2Water technology has been honored with the prestigious Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Excellence and Innovation Award 2023-Social Impact Award! This award is very special, it is not only about innovation and technology development, but also its social impact which shows testament to our unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the world. This recognition fuels our commitment to produce sustainable water for all (UNSDG6). Ceremony was help on Nov 15th at Glassgow Science Center, photos are attached. All winners list is available here:https://innovationawards.theiet.org/the-awards/winners/.
Strathclyde: Bi-annual Strathclyde Inspire100
2023 ended on a high note with significant investment for Strathclyde led companies. In November, six companies pitched their businesses to an audience of entrepreneurs, investors and experts to compete for a share of £27,500 prize funding in the bi-annual Strathclyde Inspire100 event. Funding was made up with £10,000 from the Stephen Young Entrepreneurship Awards and £7,500 from Santander. On the night, Strathclyde alumnus Sir Tom Hunter granted an extra £10,000, distributing funds among two additional companies. The Scottish Edge Finals also took place in November, where four businesses with high-growth potential linked to Strathclyde received a combined £45,000 funding. Read more here and here.