The University has been celebrated as a national leader in student entrepreneurship after being named a runner-up in the 2017 Guardian University Awards for its Future Worlds startup incubator. Future Worlds was highlighted in a shortlist of three finalists for Entrepreneurship at a ceremony in London yesterday evening (Wednesday 29 March).
Future Worlds is powered through a unique network of founders, investors and industry leaders. Since its launch in September 2015 this has grown to over 40 mentors, who include Directors of Apple, Salesforce and founders of billion dollar companies. Entrepreneurs are introduced to these mentors, given help accessing funding and inspired through a growing programme of events and competitions.
This growing entrepreneurial ecosystem is supporting innovators with ideas ranging from HGV fuel saving analytics to consumer electronics and mobile apps through an authentic Silicon Valley style startup culture.
Dr Reuben Wilcock, Future Worlds founder and Principal Enterprise Fellow at the University of Southampton, said:
Growing a thriving startup culture is the best way to help leading innovators change the world with their ideas and Future Worlds is making this happen.
It’s been an honour to build such an incredible network at the core of Future Worlds. Every one of these mentors offers their advice for free, inspired to do so by the passion and drive of the entrepreneurs they help.
Over 20 University startups and spinouts have benefited from Future Worlds’ support in its first full year, with entrepreneurs raising more than £2 million between them and creating over 20 new jobs.
You can discover the latest innovations, articles and events from the Future Worlds network at www.futureworlds.com.
