Southampton start-ups pitch at new Open Innovation event
Southampton’s most exciting technology start-ups, who are residents of the University’s innovation centre, pitched to some of the biggest corporates in the country at a brand-new event in London last week.
The event, run by SETsquared, a partnership of the universities of Southampton, Bath, Bristol, Exeter and Surrey, saw 20 of the South’s most innovative start-ups pitch to the likes of Barclays, BAE Systems and Intel.
Among them were five Southampton companies, including University spin-out Ilika Technologies, who are members of SETsquared’s incubation programme and residents of the University of Southampton’s innovation centre.
Professor Judith Petts, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research & Enterprise) at the University of Southampton, attended the event to support the companies.
She said: “Southampton is renowned as an enterprise university and we are proud of spin-outs like these that take excellent and innovative research to market. As a founding university of the SETsquared partnership we are delighted that the showcase has enabled market connections and visibility for our companies.”
David Bream, director of SETsquared at the University of Southampton, said: “The Open Innovation Showcase provides a vital link for many start-ups, as talking to companies at an early stage means the products can be refined for use and the wider market. It’s exactly what the UK economy needs, as it helps big businesses streamline and innovate by working with universities, SMEs and start-ups.”
To find out more about the Open Innovation programme and find out how to get involved visit http://setsquared.co.uk/info-industry/open-innovation