Entrepreneurs and SMEs looking to take their businesses to the next level were able to speak to experts from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) at one of the region’s biggest business showcases.
DMU’s Research, Business and Innovation team were at Venturefest East Midlands held at King Power Stadium this week. The event was attended by more than 1,500 delegates from the public and private sector.
Business people had the chance to network, find out more about potential funding and exporting opportunities. DMU was able to showcase the expertise, support and facilities available to businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators.
This included:
• Designing a device that stop patients suffering bed sores by triggering mattress movement – which costs the NHS £2.1 billion every year
• Producing the UK’s premier commercial property report, used by the Bank of England as a key indicator of business confidence
• Demonstrating artistic and graphic excellence with a 3D animation of the Great Fire of London
• Producing an implantable artificial pancreas which could end insulin injections for diabetics
The RBI team works with businesses across the region, nationally and global brands to establish partnerships and collaborations that deliver both business and social benefits. They also boast a strong track record in KTPs, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, where businesses work with university academics to solve a challenge facing their company.
DMU’s stand was busy throughout the day with people wanting to inquire about projects, learn more about our start-up support at the Innovation Centre on campus or offer graduate placements.
Jo Bailey, Head of Enterprise and Innovation at DMU, said: "We've had many enquiries throughout the day, particularly regarding Higher Degree Apprenticeships, access to grant funding (KTP) and placements, which we are very pleased about.
"Venturefest has been a great opportunity for DMU to showcase its talented, enterprising graduates along with our investment-ready intellectual property and knowhow in key areas such as healthcare, gaming technologies and design."
Venturefest featured speakers, workshops and competitions. DMU’s Professor Jinsong Shen, principal lecture Mark Bradshaw and designer Alice Davies led a session on textile innovation and enterprise.
Last year DMU's Leicester Business School was awarded a Small Business Charter Award for its work to support small businesses and start-up programmes. The award is testament to the impact which the business school, Innovation Centre and DMU’s business team have in the business community in Leicestershire and around the world.
Posted on Thursday 17 March 2016