“This announcement will help support budding entrepreneurs, start-ups and scale ups to access the unique skill sets and talent at the University and help cement the Knowledge Gateway as the location in the east to base your business.”
Science Minister Chris Skidmore said: “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, and Essex has a thriving ecosystem of local businesses and entrepreneurs whose creativity and determination help underpin the UK’s position as a leading innovator.
“Alongside this, many of Essex’s research community are right on the precipice of turning ground-breaking ideas into real products and services which could change the lives not just of people in the local community, but people around the world.
“Today’s funding will not only help local scientists take their ideas from lab to market – but will also support an enterprise hub at University of Essex. Providing space for local businesses to forge crucial partnerships, the UEZs will create jobs, drive local growth and provide SMEs with a vital steppingstone to succeed.”
UK Research and Innovation Chief Executive, Professor Sir Mark Walport, said: “These 20 University Enterprise Zones funded by Research England will be important focal points for collaboration in business-friendly environments, driving innovation and delivering benefits that will be felt across economies at the local, regional and national scale.”
David Sweeney, Executive Chair of Research England, said: “The University Enterprise Zones will act as focal points for collaboration in business-friendly environments, driving innovation and delivering benefits that will be felt across economies as local, regional and national scale.
“They demonstrate that universities are at the cutting edge of technology incubation and are committed to delivering on the government’s place agenda.”
Essex is one of 20 new zones to be created. A manager and nine other full and part-time staff will be appointed to manage the project.
Submitted on 20/09/2019
