News archive 2018
Future Energy Systems conference highlights female leaders in energy system change
A high-profile conference will showcase the work of inspirational women across the energy sector, to mark international Women’s Day.
Action-packed week for Exeter apprentices
Apprentices at the University of Exeter will take part in a series of events during National Apprenticeship Week (5-9 March 2018).
Launch of pioneering initiative to develop the next generation of Exeter’s data scientists
The official launch has taken place of a pioneering alliance to develop Exeter’s next generation of data scientists.
SETsquared partnership ranked as world’s top business incubator
The SETsquared partnership has been ranked as the world’s leading business incubator for its outstanding contribution to developing the next generation of UK tech entrepreneurs.
Exeter Energy Policy expert plays leading role in key national renewables report
National Audit Office report examines low-carbon heating of homes and businesses and the Renewable Heat Incentive
SETsquared Exeter reveals latest growth figures
SETsquared Exeter, partner of the world’s number 1 University business incubation service has released growth figures, highlighting an encouraging increase in staff numbers and investment for the region.
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Entrepreneurs are the perfect modern-day corkscrew thinkers
This month we talk to Neil Finnie, Founder of Corkscrew and The Generator Workhub. Neil reveals how he finds himself supporting the world of startups and why entrepreneurs are the modern-day corkscrew thinkers.
Where is GPS leading us?
From navigation tool to “invisible utility”, the Director of the Royal Institute of Navigation John Pottle joins Guy Buesnal from Spirent Communications Plc to discuss the opportunities and vulnerabilities of GPS.
Space and technology in the spotlight at Cornwall Lecture
Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock MBE, one of the UK’s leading space scientists, spoke about the crucial role that Cornwall could play in the next stage of space exploration during a special lecture event.
Business booms after Dragons’ Den decision
Young entrepreneurs who turned down an offer on TV programme Dragons’ Den now say their business is worth £2.6 million.
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SETsquared Exeter member announces record breaking year
SETsquared Exeter member, Crowdcube, has announced that 2017 was its most successful year to date. £130m was invested into pitches on the Crowdcube platform last year – which represents the highest ever investment on any UK platform and a 48 per cent increase on the previous year.
SETsquared Exeter presents programmes and events to grow and develop business
SETsquared, is the global number one university business incubator and provider of business support at Exeter Science Park. The team run and support a number of programmes and events in the region for SMEs and startup businesses looking to take their business to the next level and seeking ways to grow and develop.
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Exeter startups invited to join award winning programme at Exeter Science Park
Exeter technology startups are invited to join an award winning Entrepreneurs’ Programme at Exeter Science Park next month, delivered on behalf of SETsquared, the global number one university business incubator.
Data Science at Exeter receives substantial funding boost
The University of Exeter has received a substantial funding boost to help cement its position as one of the UK’s leading centres for data science.
Alibaba Cloud and Met Office launch Tianchi Data Mining Contest
Deliveries could be made by unmanned balloons around the UK in the future, if entrants to a new competition from Alibaba Cloud and the Met Office are successful.
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Tech entrepreneur chooses Exeter Science Park to launch innovative care home software company
A tech entrepreneur from Exeter has developed an innovative dashboard for care home owners to record important information and prove they are achieving assessment standards, subsequently facilitating improved quality of care and increasing profitability.
Exeter gets two Entrepreneurs in Residence
The University of Exeter now has two Entrepreneurs in Residence, appointed as part of a new Royal Society scheme.
Space Action Plan targets thousands of new jobs
The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership have published a Space Action Plan, looking at how the region can share in the growth of the global space economy, estimated to be worth £400 billion annually by 2030.
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The Rattle makes some noise for entrepreneurial Exeter Alumni
On 6 March, The University of Exeter Student Startup Programme, Think:Try:Do hosted the second Entrepreneurs Network event at The Rattle, Tobacco Dock, London.
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Supporting businesses of the future
The University of Exeter’s Think:Try:Do Student Start-up Programme focuses on identifying and fostering the startup ambitions of Exeter Students and graduates; giving them the chance to develop enterprise and employability skills which all business need as well the opportunity to start their own business. The programme provides training, guidance and support, as well as being able to offer funding opportunities to promote and enable entrepreneurship in Exeter.
Self-employed happier at work – despite long hours and more uncertainty
New research has identified a key ingredient to securing a happy and fulfilling career - working for yourself.
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University of Exeter research to inform billions of pounds of future government spending
University of Exeter expertise will be used by the Government to inform all major new public spending projects after academics helped to create new decision-making guidelines for politicians and civil servants.
Exeter Science Park Entrepreneurs excite Director General of BEIS
Entrepreneurs and business leaders from Exeter Science Park have demonstrated the region’s STEMM expertise to Gareth Davies, Director General of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS)
SETsquared Exeter’s clients increase turnover to £11.5 million
SETsquared Exeter’s latest figures have revealed that client businesses turned over £11.5 million in 2017 and have seen a 30 per cent growth in staff numbers.
Heritage Management MA course boosted by Industry Advisory Group
Leading heritage sector experts met in December for the inaugural meeting of the University of Exeter International Heritage Management and Consultancy MA Industry Advisory Group. The unique new course, launching in September 2018, engages sector specialists at the highest level to ensure the content is in line with the latest innovations and opportunities.
Guardian award for policy-changing research on microplastic pollution
Research that revealed the devastating impact that microplastic pollution could have on the health of humans and wildlife has won a Guardian University Award.
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Cranbrook Education Campus students name Exeter Science Park buildings after inspirational scientists
Exeter Science Park has celebrated another key milestone with a topping out ceremony at its new grow-on buildings, which have been named by primary school students after three of history’s most inspirational scientists.
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From Silicon Valley to the Devonshire Valleys
Murray Reed has recently joined SETsquared Exeter as its new Innovation Manager where he will be supporting SETsquared Exeter members to grow and develop their businesses, together with delivering a new Scaleup Programme to help innovative growth companies to access University R&D, investment, corporate partners and new talent.
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Launch of programme to support scaleup businesses in the region
Last week, SETsquared Exeter hosted the launch of a new Scaleup programme aimed to support and develop scaleup businesses in the region. The event was held at Exeter Science Park and featured SETsquared members and staff from across the five partners (Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Southampton and Surrey) including business experts and local SMEs.
Exeter spinout and SETsquared member wins coveted award
Biosystems Technology (BST), a University of Exeter spinout company and SETsquared Exeter member providing ethical alternatives to animal testing has recently received an acclaimed Exeter Living Award in the category of Technology and Innovation.
Research gives new ray of hope for solar fuel
The quest to develop the ‘Holy Grail’ of affordable, viable and environmentally-friendly fuels using sunlight has taken an exciting new twist.
Cornish students win £12,500 in national space challenge
Students from two local Cornish schools are celebrating after picking up high profile prizes from the UK Space Agency's SatelLife Challenge.
Now in its second year, SatelLife Challenge aims to support the development of science, data handling and technological skills. Winners of the national challenge could win a share of the £50,000 on offer for themselves and also be invited to present their ideas at the UK Space Agency headquarters.
Sir Richard Branson surprises Exeter alumnus
Exeter alumnus Tom Charman (Economics and Politics, 2016) got a high profile surprise recently while attending a Virgin Media pitching masterclass.
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Pioneering healthcare entrepreneurs ready their innovations for market
Healthcare innovators from across the South of England gathered together to test out their business ideas in a four-day programme hosted by SETsquared and the Wessex Academic Health Science Network (AHSN).
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Sparking entrepreneurial spirit
Roger Killen has recently joined the University of Exeter in the role of Royal Society, Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR). The prestigious appointment was announced on Tuesday 20 March at the Royal Society’s annual Labs to Riches dinner, with awards presented by Prince Andrew. Roger received the award alongside Professor Rob Lee who will also be based at Exeter.
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Helping Exeter to retain talent and commercialise research
Professor Rob Lee has recently joined the University of Exeter in the role of Royal Society, Entrepreneur in Residence. The prestigious appointment was announced on Tuesday 20 March at the Royal Society’s annual Labs to Riches dinner, with awards presented by Prince Andrew. Professor Lee received the award alongside Roger Killen who will also be based at Exeter.
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New study looking for lithium 'fingerprint' from space
A team of data scientists at the Satellite Applications Catapult is leading a new study, funded by Innovate UK, to see if it is possible to detect a lithium ‘fingerprint’ from space by imaging vegetation and minerals on the ground using satellites.
The University of Exeter launches new programme to power high-growth UK companies
The University of Exeter, as part of the SETsquared Partnership, today launched a programme to enable some of the UK’s best tech
Goonhilly lands £24 million investment enabling global expansion
Investment in Goonhilly Earth Station will include building a private global deep space network.
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Student Startup Manager receives prestigious teaching award
Emily Davies, Student Startup Manager for Think:Try:Do, the Student Startup Programme at the University has received an award for ‘Best Employability Support’ at Exeter’s Teaching Awards.
Experts discuss a new international vision for Devon post-Brexit at Exeter event
An MP and foreign policy experts will discuss how Devon communities and companies can have influence around the world
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Global automotive technology firm chooses Exeter Science Park to grow
Global software as a service developer, Eight Technology (with its Dealerweb Showroom and React platforms) is the first company to have signed to move into the ‘grow-on’ buildings at Exeter Science Park to accommodate its expanding team.
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Success after success as SETsquared is shortlisted for THELMA award
The SETsquared Partnership has been shortlisted for a Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Award (THELMA) for the most innovative and original initiative in knowledge exchange or knowledge transfer in the UK. This comes fresh off the back of being ranked Global No 1 University Business Incubator for the second time in February this year.
Exeter alumna and co-founder of KOMPAS gives TEDx talk in US
Exeter graduate Olivia Higgs (Combined Honours, 2016) recently gave a TEDx talk in Virginia in the US about the role society plays on artificial intelligence (A.I).
Exeter entrepreneur founds bespoke surfboard company
Duncan Lyster, a fourth year physics student at the University of Exeter, has founded his own hand-crafted, wooden surfboard company.
Exeter student wins Undergraduate of the Year Award
Edward Ashton Johnson, a second year student studying business economics at the University of Exeter has been awarded the L’Oréal Male Undergraduate of the Year award last week.
Pioneering new Renewable Energy facility opens on Penryn Campus
A pioneering new renewable energy teaching and research centre has officially opened on the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall.
Hear from leading Bitcoin developers at University of Exeter event
One of the earliest developers of Bitcoin will explain how the digital currency works and its potential to transform world trade at a University of Exeter event.
Stunning virtual tour of exoplanets takes its one millionth ‘passenger’.
One million budding astronomers and space enthusiasts have taken a magical tour to explore the exotic worlds orbiting distant stars, through a stunning virtual reality documentary.
Mindfulness training for prisoners set to transform Kenyan jails
A project which has transformed the lives of hundreds of Kenyan prisoners through teaching them mindfulness is set to expand, potentially leading to fundamental changes to the country’s jail system.
Nature holds key to nurturing green water treatment facilities
The quest to develop greener and more affordable methods to treat wastewater has taken a new, innovative twist.
Exeter part of £5million programme to maintain UK’s status as global leader in offshore renewables
The University of Exeter is part of national consortium awarded £5million to bring together a network of academic,
Scientists use ‘funnel-vision’ to pioneer cheap and efficient solar energy
Scientists have developed a pioneering new technique that could unlock new methods of making solar energy more efficient.
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University Crowdfunder receives another boost
The University of Exeter’s recent crowdfunding campaign to help student entrepreneurs stay in the city after graduation, has received another boost from experienced businessman, entrepreneur and industrialist, Bijan Sedghi.
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Cyber 101 Bootcamp may head to the South West
An exciting opportunity has arisen for the region, Cyber 101 which helps cyber startups and scaleups to improve their business success and access customers and investors, has an opening to run a programme in Exeter.
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Developing business and management acumen
Some people avoid starting a degree because they don’t want to embark on full-time study, or are worried about the costs involved. An alternative route is a degree apprenticeship, which allows you to earn and have a full-time job while studying.
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Renaming of project that supports business and the environment
A business support project to grow business and the environment has recently been renamed. Tevi, the Cornish for growth is the new name of the European Structural and Investment Fund (ESIF) project, previously known as Environmental Growth for Business (EG4B).
University Crowdfunder races past £12k thanks to Eagle One
A University Crowdfunding Campaign to help student entrepreneurs stay in the city after graduation
WaveSub successfully installed at FaBTest
UK wave technology development company Marine Power Systems (MPS) has successfully installed its prototype WaveSub.
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Exeter entrepreneurs look to North America after graduating from leading AI Programme
Two entrepreneurs who co-founded their business whilst studying at the University of Exeter are venturing on new ground as they extend their city exploration app, KOMPAS to the west coast of America.
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Scaleup Programme reaches next stage
Yesterday, local SMEs met with members of the SETsquared Scaleup Initiative. The scheme which launched earlier this year, will unite innovative SMEs with academics enabling them to grow their research and gain strong impact with the support of a partner institution, such as the University of Exeter.
University of Exeter academic honoured for research shaping new national data on police use of force
A University of Exeter expert’s work on a new national reporting system on the use of force for all 43 police forces in England and Wales has earned her a major award.
£25 million South West Institute of Technology plan reaches funding bid final
A multimillion pound bid to revolutionise digital technology education across the South West has reached the final phase
Exeter-Hong Kong centre to promote environmental sustainability and resilience
First of its kind Joint Centre in Hong Kong
City Science, Exeter University & Hoare Lea join forces to revolutionise transport planning using Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
City Science are leading a £1m project to deliver digital twin technology that will seamlessly manage complex operations around congested transport networks and building energy management. The project will be delivered in partnership with the University of Exeter and Hoare Lea.
New centre will boost entrepreneurship in Exeter
A new centre to drive entrepreneurship amongst University students and graduates is being set up in the Innovation Centre, situated on the University of Exeter Streatham campus.
Entrepreneur networking event focuses on business with purpose
Earlier this month, Exeter hosted the third edition of its University of Exeter Entrepreneur Network event at Hangar 58, Runway East, Shoreditch. Exeter’s Student Startup Support team welcomed attendees for an evening of networking and ideas sharing. This event also featured a panel discussion around the theme of B-Corp.
Tevi supports new circular economy initiative for Cornish businesses
Businesses from across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly gathered at the University of Exeter campus, Penryn today for the 2018 Circular Economy Summit.
Multi-million-pound project will put Devon at the forefront of solving global environmental and big data challenges
A £6.4 million initiative to boost Devon’s expertise in solving future global environmental and big data challenges has formally launched in Exeter - The Environmental Futures & Big Data Impact Lab (Impact Lab).
Workshy bosses breed contempt and abuse in the workforce, research shows
Workshy bosses can promote a contemptuous attitude amongst their staff - leading to anger, frustration and abuse in the work place, new research has shown.
Double award nomination success for pioneering waiting times app
An app which gives people real-time information about their local urgent NHS services has been shortlisted in two of the most prestigious national awards: the Health Service Journal (HSJ) Awards and the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards.
Research shows that more companies should treat diversity as part of business strategy
The majority of the UK’s largest companies have adopted policies on boardroom diversity but their reporting to stakeholders needs to improve.
J.P. Morgan and University of Exeter partner to offer UK’s first financial services apprenticeship with Russell Group degree
Building on the success of its established apprenticeship scheme, J.P. Morgan is partnering with the University of Exeter to deliver Financial Services Apprenticeships to degree level.
New University of Exeter Business School centre opened by Dame Ellen MacArthur
Record-breaking sailor Dame Ellen MacArthur, founder of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, has officially marked the opening of a new centre at the University of Exeter Business School, which is dedicated to tackling some of the world’s greatest social and economic challenges.
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Dame Ellen MacArthur to launch new University of Exeter Business School centre dedicated to addressing some of the world’s greatest challenges
Record-breaking sailor Dame Ellen MacArthur, founder of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, will launch a new University of Exeter Business School centre dedicated to addressing the world’s greatest social and economic challenges.
SETsquared set to contribute £26.9 billion to UK economy and 22,000 jobs by 2030
The SETsquared Partnership will contribute £26.9 billion to the UK economy by 2030, independent research has found.
Startup Weekend: much more than starting up a business
Startup Weekend returns to Exeter this October and with expert mentors and judges, including scientist and entrepreneur, Sawsan Khuri, it could be the most exciting to date!
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Exeter graduate business expands phone charging network
A green energy phone charging network, ChargedUp created by University of Exeter graduates has expanded its availability and is now available in forty venues across London.
Students find way to make oxygen on Mars
University of Exeter students have found a way to produce oxygen on Mars, earning a gold medal at a prestigious competition.
Wonky Soup delivers delicious solution to food waste at Startup Weekend
Startup Weekend returned to Exeter last weekend, bringing with it a surge of talent, passion and a true sense of community. Eighty participants attended the event during which they learnt how to conceive, validate and startup a business over the course of a weekend. 30 pitches were delivered and 8 teams formed, showcasing a broad range of ideas from sporting apps to printing services and creating soup from surplus vegetables.
Event marks closer ties between University of Exeter and museums in Cornwall
University of Exeter academics and experts looking after Cornwall’s historic treasures will collaborate to shed more light on Cornwall’s unique history and help local museums thrive.
Boost for Exeter’s construction workforce
The construction sector across Greater Exeter is set to benefit from additional support to help attract, retain and upskill its workforce.
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Public must help shape ‘smart cities’
The public must play a key role in the ongoing “smart cities” revolution, researchers say.
Over 70 investors gather to hear scale-up investment opportunities from promising UK tech companies
Five innovative UK high-tech scale-up companies got the opportunity to pitch for investment at the inaugural Scale-Up Investor Breakfast Briefing event, hosted by SETsquared, in London’s Pall Mall on 3 October.
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Join regional businesses to tackle water and data challenges
The Environmental Futures & Big Data Impact Lab (Impact Lab) has united the Eden Project, the Met Office, South West Water and the Environment Agency to develop the Water Resilience Challenge, which launches with a free and fully-catered, two-day hackathon-style ‘bootcamp’ on 6-7 November at Exeter Science Park.
Stunning virtual tour of exoplanets wins prestigious award
A stunning virtual reality documentary that allows budding astronomers and space enthusiasts to explore the exotic worlds orbiting distant stars has been honoured with a special pan-European award.
Engineering expert secures prestigious RAEng Industrial Fellowship
An Engineering expert from the University of Exeter has been awarded a prestigious Fellowship to help pioneer better and more reliable flight control systems for unmanned aerial vehicles.
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App developed by Exeter graduate could transform how we network
An app developed by an Exeter graduate has recently launched on both the Apple and Android app stores. When meeting someone in person, Intro transforms how we network by seamlessly converting that physical relationship into a digital one.
Singling out “rising stars” in companies could demotivate staff, research shows
Firms who fast-track individuals to leadership positions and identify “rising stars” risk demotivating their employees, a study shows.
Welcome to new ESA Ambassador – preparing to launch new ideas
This month, we welcome Donna Lyndsay to the team. Donna is the new European Space Agency (ESA) Business Applications Regional Ambassador for South West England and South Wales. She is keen to introduce SMEs supported by SETsquared to the ESA Business Applications funding programme.
South West Fed and University of Exeter sign Memorandum of Understanding
The South West Fed is delighted to announce that it has furthered its partnership with the University of Exeter by formally signing a joint Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
A win for Build Solar at the Cornwall Sustainability Awards
Build Solar, an innovative spin-out company from the University of Exeter, lead the way at the Cornwall Sustainability Awards with a win in the "Innovation - Tomorrow's Contribution to Sustainability" category for their impressive new product Solar Squared, a multifunctional glass brick.
Innovative technology centre opening at Oceansgate development
A new centre for marine innovation, based at Plymouth’s Oceansgate development, is now up-and-running thanks to European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funding.
Graphene unlocks new potential for ‘smart textiles’
The quest to create affordable, durable and mass-produced ‘smart textiles’ has been given fresh impetus through the use of the wonder material Graphene.
Renewing Renewables
An experienced group of renewables installers and experts gathered last week at Mount Pleasant Eco Park in Porthtowan to consider a major new topic: can business leaders in Cornwall use its status as a hub for renewable energy generation to develop new services for the renewal of defunct, broken or out-of-date renewable energy infrastructure?
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Introduction to Entrepreneurialism
Postgraduates and Early Career Researchers (ECRs) are key catalysts of culture change. With this in mind, on 28 November, 31 early career academics from multiple disciplines gathered at the Southgate Hotel in Exeter to take part in an Introduction to Entrepreneurialism workshop. The event was held by Innovation, Impact and Business (IIB) and facilitated by Dr Simon Brown and Alan Scrase of P2T Consulting.
Exeter experts help in hunt for new antibiotic drugs
Exeter scientists are part of an international team helping to find new antibiotic drugs to treat killer infections.
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Exeter graduate entrepreneurs secure distribution with supermarket giant
Exeter graduates and Co-Founders, Jesse Wilson and Tom Jordan are no strangers to the world of business, having quit regular jobs to pursue the dream of running their own craft beer company, Jubel. Just one year since they launched, they have secured distribution in more than 600 Sainsbury’s stores in four countries.
Leading social mobility expert joins University of Exeter
One of the foremost experts on social mobility in Britain has been appointed as a Professor at the University of Exeter.