BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURS TO BE HIGHLIGHTED AS NEW UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK-GENERATED BUSINESS INITIATIVE EXPANDS
New companies in artificial membrane technology, innovative e-learning and mobile communications among developments originating from Coventry-led scheme
Sheffield, UK and Worldwide, October 31, 2003 /The Wi-Fi Technology Forum/- Ideas originated and developed throughout the West Midlands are being turned into innovative new businesses to be unveiled by the Enterprise Fellowship Scheme (EFS) at The De Vere Belfry Golf and Conference Centre at Wishaw near Birmingham on Monday night (November 3).
At EFS’s New VentureFest at The Belfry, an audience of business leaders, investors and key influencers will have a first opportunity to learn about a scheme, originated from the University of Warwick and Coventry University, that has expanded to include the Universities of Central England in Birmingham, Keele, Staffordshire and Wolverhampton.
The EFS programme is open to staff, students and alumni of participating universities. The original pilot, operated from the University of Warwick and Coventry University, was the first of its kind in England. Its expansion across the West Midlands will be announced on Monday and other universities like York, Edinburgh, Oxford Brookes, Cranfield and the University of Oxford are already modelling their scheme on what was created at Warwick.
“EFS gives people a chance to turn their technology, science or engineering-based business dream into reality. Their ideas, vision and enthusiasm are given a welcome place to grow and are supported by expert help and a chance to create further business success and prosperity for the West Midlands,” said EFS Director Isabell Majewsky.
Several of the EFS businesses will be highlighted at The Belfry. The audience will also see successful case studies and among the speakers will be Trevor Baylis, the inventor of the famous clockwork radio.
The University of Warwick’s introduction of the Enterprise Fellowship Scheme in England followed the pilot of similar schemes in parts of mainland Europe, particularly The Netherlands. It works by offering support to staff, students and alumni from participating universities in assessing the feasibility of their business idea and then providing an environment and tailored help to create viable commercial businesses.
Applicants need to prove they have the time and commitment to develop their idea, which must be innovative and technology based. They must be able to demonstrate the potential of their plan and must be willing to set up any future business in the West Midlands. They are assessed by an expert panel before being offered a place on the EFS programme.
Companies highlighted at the New VentureFest will include:-
• PIXELearning: Providing games-based e-learning solutions to the training and education industry.
• MembraSense: Dealing with the development of biosensors based on bilayer lipid membranes, which behave very much like those of biological cells but with a lifetime of many months. The principle is widely applicable in pharmaceutical development and in clinical diagnostic medicine.
• Musit UK: The promotion of creative music making via the internet and/or e-mail for people regardless of their prior experience of music or technology.
• Seventh Form: Software/web development and associated services using innovative software working in partnership with clients to identify, co-develop and market new software products for their market sector.
• Fordax: An IT business solutions company that will deliver efficient, functional solutions for Mobile Data Collection providing a complete end-to-end solution.
“EFS is unique in England and I am very proud of the fact that it has been piloted and expanded – based on proven success – here in the West Midlands,” said Ms Majewsky.
“Monday’s event will show what has already been achieved and how EFS can become a major contributor to the growth of business in the region and beyond in the years ahead.”
Mentors for the scheme are also welcome, from all business disciplines. People interested in getting involved should either contact Ms Majewsky on 024 7632 3316 or the EFS Business Development Manager at the participating university.
The EFS programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Mercia Institute of Enterprise and in association with HSBC.
Further information from Claire Dickens, Brian Dolby or Rebecca Southern at GBCS Public Relations on 0115 9508399
Or
Sue Heath at Warwick Ventures on 024 7632 3329.
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