SETsquared has been named as the Knowledge Exchange/Transfer Initiative of the Year at the Times Higher Education Leadership & Management Awards (THELMAs).
This national award, celebrating the most innovative and original initiatives and teams from higher education institutions across the UK, particularly recognises SETsquared’s Innovation and Commercialisation of University Research (ICURe) programme.
SETsquared, the global number one business incubator, is a partnership between the universities of Southampton, Bath, Bristol, Exeter and Surrey. It offers university research teams with commercially promising ideas the opportunity to ‘get out of the lab’ and validate their ideas in the marketplace.
Simon Bond, Innovation Director at SETsquared, said:
“We’re thrilled to win this Times Higher Education Leadership & Management Award. With such fantastic results coming from the ICURe programme, this award is a testament to the hard work and enthusiasm of everyone involved.”
Don Spalinger, SETsquared board member and Director of Research and Innovation Services at the University of Southampton, said:
“ICURe is now playing an important role in ensuring a product/service gets to a viable market quickly, and can be the difference between creating a successful business or one that falls into ‘the Valley of Death’, so I am thrilled to see it recognised at these awards. It is a fantastic boost for the hardworking teams that have secured funding and set up business contacts around the world.”
One company to find success through the ICURe programme is BluPoint Ltd, based in the Innovation Centre at the University of Southampton Science Park, which is delivering a unique solar-powered, pop-up intranet platform to give communities access to digital content. The company is led by founder Dr Mike Santer who said:
“Both SETsquared and the ICURe initiative have provided a game-changing catalyst to BluPoint Ltd, enabling us in the space of 18 months to accelerate our idea into a rapidly growing business delivering our solar powered intranet system which gives life changing access to information and services across Africa. We would not be in the advanced position that we are in without their support, encouragement and excellence! Congratulations on receiving the award, you thoroughly deserve it! “
For more information on the Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards please click here.