From Physics PhD to Entrepreneur with Steve Kitson

Over the last 25 years, Steve’s career has taken him from a Physics PhD at University of Exeter to starting a tech business which he successfully exited this year. He’s now chair of a quantum technology company and is helping the next generation as an entrepreneur in residence at SETsquared Exeter. Steve will talk about his journey from physicist to entrepreneur and will draw out some of the lessons that he’s learnt along the way.

Steve Kitson is an entrepreneur and a physicist. In a career that spans academia, government, multinationals and start-ups, he has developed technology ranging from quantum optics to adaptive camouflage that changes colour. In 2013 he founded Folium Optics and grew it to £1 million revenue without taking external investment.

The business developed a plastic display technology that is paper-thin, robust and highly efficient. In 2019 Steve successfully exited the business - he has now founded IMPAX consulting which helps early-stage tech companies build effective businesses that can bring game-changing technologies to market. Steve is also the Chair of KETS Quantum Security Limited and an Honorary Industrial Fellow at the University of Bristol.

Arrival teas and coffees at 16:30

Talk starts at 17:00

Q&A session from 17:45 until 18:15

If you are interested in attending this event, please register here.

If you have any questions please contact research-events@exeter.ac.uk

The University of Exeter offers numerous Engineering & Entrepreneurship courses within MEng and BEng studies.

The University of Exeter Business School Centre for Entrepreurship is built to enable entrepreneurs to be successful in creating this change.