DMU's Innovation Centre expands to meet demand from start-ups

De Montfort University’s Innovation Centre is expanding to meet increasing demand from start-up businesses.

The centre, in Oxford Street, Leicester, provides a platform for business start-ups, entrepreneurs, students, graduates and academics to shape their business and hone ideas.



From late September, it is offering start-ups the chance to have shared workspace on a rolling contract basis. The new shared option is aimed at one-person businesses and sole traders who are not yet ready to lease a whole office and has been created after the Innovation Centre team identified a demand for shared space.

Also from September, external organisations have the opportunity to hire a space at the Innovation Centre for the first time. Options range from a two-person interview room to the 70-person Co-Working Space, all of which are available seven days a week, day and evening.

The Innovation Centre has also become the new home for Leicester Hackspace, which provides practical workshop space for makers of digital, electronic, mechanical and creative projects on a pay-what-you-want basis.

Hackspace, which has moved from its previous home in Makers’ Yard, will be running workshops from September. Email for details.

Pritesh Vegad, owner of Diamond Boutique jewellery company, said: "The Innovation Centre has provided our business with a fantastic platform to grow. We have been able to access useful training courses, graduates for short and long term projects, as well as a lively and motivating environment to work in.

“The staff at The Innovation Centre are fantastic, always looking for new ways to help. The centre is great for small businesses, and has played a significant role in taking our business to the next stage of growth."

For start-ups already up and running, The Innovation Centre has a number of units available to lease with a one month opt out clause, for a maximum of three years.   

Businesses at the Innovation Centre receive benefits including:

•    Free use of meeting and event spaces
•    Business support through one-to-one surgeries
•    Exclusive networking events and talks
•    Access to university expertise

Anyone can use the Innovation Centre’s Co-working Café, which provides free facilities such as hot desks, wi-fi, and informal meeting space. Sign up as a member for free via the website. For further information about the Innovation Centre, visit the website or pop in to the Co-working Café and speak to a member of staff between 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday.