It’s the city’s business
EXETERWORKS Exeter Science Park is set to get a lot bigger
“THIS KIND OF COLLABORATION IS GOING TO BE ESSENTIAL FOR OUR REGION’S POST-COVID RECOVERY”
Joining forces
T
wo of Exeter’s most prolific organisations, Exeter Science Park Limited and the University of Exeter, have joined forces to create a focal point for science, technology, engineering, maths and medical (STEMM) innovation at Exeter Science Park; a move that is hoped to boost growth and employment opportunities in the local area. The partnership will see business activity being transferred from the Innovation Centre to Exeter Science Park and £2.25m funding being released to support the provision of innovation services by SETsquared Exeter over the next 18 years. “This landmark agreement brings a new focus to the existing collaboration between Exeter Science Park and the University’s SETsquared
Exeter team that will support recovery and drive growth,” says Dr Sally Basker, CEO of Exeter Science Park. “It will ensure that Exeter Science Park Centre tenants will continue to benefit freely from SETsquared, Exeter’s world-leading business incubation services.” What will this mean for Exeter? The partnership is also set to reopen the way for joint initiatives to secure new resources for businesses in the area, initiatives such as the new University Enterprise Zone and the Environmental Futures and Big Data Impact Lab. “Our goal is to secure and create high-value jobs, enhance productivity and boost economic growth in the South West and this agreement gives us the opportunity to do that, as well as
reinforcing Exeter Science Park’s position as the hub for STEMM-based business expansion in our region,” adds Dr Basker. How much growth? There are currently around 500 people employed by the tenant businesses at Exeter Science Park and projections forecast a seven-fold growth over the next 15 years, taking employee numbers to 3,500 by 2035, with new buildings and membership packages being developed. “This kind of collaboration between start-ups and universities is going to be essential for our region’s post-Covid recovery, helping businesses innovate and grow,” says Professor Lisa Roberts vice-chancellor and chief executive of the University of Exeter. For more: www.exetersciencepark.co.uk
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