INSIGHTS / News

SETsquared Exeter and EPIC (Electronics and Photonics Innovation Centre) in Torbay have continued to progress their partnership with the provision of business development sessions for South West technology businesses.

In April 2022, the start of a series of development sessions commenced, preparing to equip local tech SMEs with knowledge and expertise to grow and scale their businesses.

Deborah Watson from Innovate UK EDGE led a growth session tailored for EPIC’s thriving microelectronics and photonics community. Deborah said: “Innovate UK EDGE are very pleased to be working with SETsquared Exeter in supporting the innovation and growth of the high-tech cluster in Torbay through working with the EPIC centre and their photonics and electronics companies.  Innovate UK EDGE is helping innovators to scale rapidly with specialist-led, 1-2-1 growth support. Our work is a key part of the UK innovation agency’s deep investment in the pioneering businesses that drive economic growth.”

Sylke Thomas, Innovation Advisor for SETsquared Exeter led another session introducing the SETsquared Scale-Up Programme. The programme, designed around the key challenges of securing public grant and private investment for company-led R&D and innovation, has collectively helped to secure more than £100m of investment for businesses. Sylke remarked: “The introduction to Scale-Up session was a great opportunity to meet some of the cutting-edge tech businesses working with EPIC. I look forward to continuing our meetings to support these founders in realising their ambitions, helping them to connect to the great academic expertise we have here at the University of Exeter and rapidly developing their business goals.”

Graham Heydon, Partner at Heydon Innovation led a session on R&D tax credits. Speaking of the opportunity to get involved with regional businesses Graham said: “Heydon Innovation thoroughly enjoyed raising awareness of R&D tax reliefs at EPIC last month, helping SETsquared Exeter support some of the most exciting high-tech, high-growth companies in the South West.”

Further sessions with specialist advisors are planned for the coming months to provide the EPIC community with significant opportunities to develop their businesses.

SETsquared Exeter and EPIC announced their partnership in November 2021, united by their mission to enable technology businesses to benefit from the unique combination of skills, knowledge and expertise that the partners offer. This is alongside their vision to develop the South West as a hub for technology innovation, creating possibilities for the next generation.

SETsquared Exeter is able to expand the reach of its business acceleration provision as part of the University of Exeter Enterprise Zone (UEEZ) project. The project is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The project aims to improve the opportunities for innovative STEMM, Devon-based start-ups and SMEs that have the aspiration and potential to achieve high growth and to accelerate their development through the provision of expert business support. Please visit the UEEZ Project page to find out more.