New graduate management trainee leads sustainability strategy at Midlands science park

A leading Midlands science park has taken a major step towards a more sustainable future with the appointment of a new graduate management trainee to lead its sustainability strategy.

Mihir Rathi, a recent graduate of the University of Warwick’s WMG programme and project management master’s degree, has been appointed to the role at the University of Warwick Science Park through the university’s graduate placement scheme.

The move comes as the Science Park – which is among the top five per cent of tech start-up hubs in Europe – embarks on an ambitious programme to reduce its carbon footprint and futureproof its estates.

The Science Park spans four sites across the West Midlands, comprising The Venture Centre and the Business Innovation Centre in Coventry, Warwick Innovation Centre in Warwick, and the Blythe Valley Innovation Centre in Solihull. The estates house more than 160 innovative companies working across science, technology and engineering.

In his new role, Mihir, originally from Pune in western India, is Project Manager for the science park’s new sustainability strategy, which will establish a clear roadmap to help make its sites more energy efficient over the next 10 to 15 years.

As part of the project, he is working closely with the University of Warwick’s Estates and Sustainability teams to build a baseline understanding of carbon emissions across the park – including water, energy use, transport and waste – and to align them with the university’s wider sustainability goals.

New initiatives already underway include introducing solar panels to several buildings, improving waste measurement, and creating a sustainability working group with representatives from across the sites.

Mihir is also engaging with the science park’s community of entrepreneurs and innovators in an effort to effect a wider impact that also draws on their experiences, expertise, and critical mass as a key part of the Midlands innovation ecosystem.

Mihir said: “This is an exciting time to be joining the Science Park, as there’s a huge opportunity to make meaningful and lasting change.

“We’re not here to tell individual tenants how to run their businesses, but we are working hard to provide the infrastructure, support and information they need to operate more sustainably, while making sure the park itself meets the highest environmental standards.

“The estate is open to change, and I’m proud to be part of a team that’s genuinely motivated to make that happen. By the end of my placement, I hope to leave behind a clear and actionable strategy that the Science Park can build on for years to come.”

The eight-month placement, which runs until January 2026, is split across the Science Park and the University’s Estates team, giving Mihir first-hand experience in both operational and long-term sustainability planning.

Mark Tock, Chief Operations Officer at the University of Warwick Science Park, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome a high-quality graduate from University of Warwick into our team at such a crucial time. As we continue to support highgrowth, innovative businesses across the region, we also have a responsibility to ensure that our buildings, policies and infrastructure are fit for the future.

“Mihir has already made a great start and brings not only the skills and mindset needed for the challenge, but also a genuine passion for making a positive impact in the long-term, which aligns perfectly with our mission.”

To find out more, visit www.warwicksciencepark.co.uk