INSIGHTS / News

Some of the most promising young university researchers from across the South of England are taking part in a brand new programme which seeks to turn their ideas into profitable technology start-ups.

SETsquared, the business incubation programme run by the universities of Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Southampton and Surrey, has just launched its 2014 Researcher to Innovator programme.

Designed to help researchers with promising ideas and research projects, the course will equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to convert them into commercial realities.

It is aimed at the brightest and best postdoctoral researchers, in any discipline, from across the SETsquared Partnership universities and sees them put through their paces with training over six months.

A total of 34 people are taking part in the programme, which kicked off with a three-day residential course on September 14.

Simon Bond, Innovation Director at SETsquared, said: “We are very excited about what these researchers could achieve as a result of the programme. Lean, innovative start-ups are vital in creating jobs and wealth in the UK and this programme is likely to create some exciting technology start-ups that could go on to huge success.”

Kirsten M A Revell from the University of Southampton took part in the pilot programme last year and added: “I am so focused on my research, it never occurred to me that what I did had value beyond the campus. I now feel more confident positioning my findings in a way that show its potential impact – something that could help with funding proposals as well as entrepreneurial ideas.”