New centre will boost entrepreneurship in Exeter

Due to open in September 2018, the space will enable student and recent graduate entrepreneurs to develop their ideas and grow their business while still receiving renowned support from the University of Exeter including mentoring, access to grant funding, workshops, events and training sessions. The space is being designed by staff and students.

Another unique introduction, from the next academic year, will be the chance for all University of Exeter students to study for entrepreneurial modules regardless of their primary subject choice. This new offering will enable students to get their ideas off the ground and learn new skills to enhance their employability.

Professor Mark Goodwin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for External Engagement, spoke at the announcement of a student-led process to design the new space:

“At Exeter we have 22,000 of the brightest minds in the country.  Over 1000 Millennials at Exeter want the opportunity to develop their own businesses and make their business ideas a reality. We want Exeter graduates to stay in Exeter and build their businesses as part of an economic success system and become attractors for the next generation.”

Prof Goodwin continued: “Fostering entrepreneurship on campus is hugely important, not just for the high-tech start-ups but also creative and social enterprises and for enhancing the employability of Exeter students and to building an entrepreneurial culture across the entire University.”

The University has a strong record of success in entrepreneurship and provides award winning business support. Most recently, The SETsquared partnership, of which Exeter is a member, was voted the global number one business incubator. Exeter Science Park is currently developing new grow-on space for pioneering research and development companies.  

Exeter runs the award winning Think:Try:Do Student Start-up Programme which focuses on identifying and fostering the startup ambitions of University of Exeter Students; giving them the chance to develop enterprise and employability skills. A selection of participants from the scheme have been recognized for their entrepreneurial contribution and achievement including:

Kieran Tompkins who received the Think Award
Lyster Surfcraft headed up by Duncan Lyster who received the Try Award.
Alitica with Giacomo Poppi received the Do Award.
Semyon Germanovich received the Outstanding Contribution Award.

Last year, Exeter was revealed as the fastest-growing city in the UK. The new facility at the Innovation Centre will be a strong new addition to the City. It will help to evolve its entrepreneurial success system and boost the economy.