Enterprising London
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Supporting London's academic entrepreneurs and turning ideas into reality. Software systems, fuel cell technology, hand cleansers, high fashion labels, wind turbine blades, Alzheimer's drugs... the innovative products and services created by London's academic institutions are as varied as the city's takeaway food menus. In recent years, London has become an international magnet for enterprising individuals and companies from around the world.
Just about every one of the universities in the capital offers entrepreneurial studies and facilitation, ensuring students can embark on entrepreneurial careers once they graduate.
London South Bank University's (LSBU) Enterprise Associate Scheme enables students to commercialise their innovative ideas. Students are tutored in the faculties of business and engineering while developing their product towards commercialisation, using the Intellectual Property (IP) legal services, offices and facilities, contacts, and mentoring provided by the university.
Environmental designer and model maker Ronald Thompson (pictured) is one student taking advantage of this opportunity. His experience as a manager of a hair salon led him to explore the potential for turning human hair into a biodegradable alternative to fibreglass. He has since created Pilius X, an eco-friendly, ergonomic chair made from hair. The support he received from the university enabled him to form a company and begin taking his product to the market.
Ed Tinley, LSBU's head of business development said, “One of the frustrations we've always had is that we've never had a mechanism to enable our students to follow through on their commercial idea, so we designed this MSc in Enterprise to support our innovative graduates. These students leave with a business as well as a Masters degree.”
Download insight magazine to continue reading this article… (edition 1, page 12)
Posted: Tuesday 9 February 2010