Working with business
Explore our Business section to learn about more opportunities to work with businesses
Turning research into commercial enterprises
Taking a piece of groundbreaking research or an innovative idea and turning into a commercial product is not easy. Setting up a business, especially for the first time, is very hard to do without advice, support and collaboration. At the University of Southampton we understand this, and we also recognise how important it is to make sure that the work of our researchers gets out into the real world. That is why we have a number of services to support researchers hoping to take their work into the business world.
Research and Innovation Services
Our Research and Innovation Services (RIS) team is dedicated to supporting our researchers personally and professionally.
We can help to set up Knowledge Transfer Partnerships between researchers and local businesses – an excellent way of learning how the commercial world works. We also encourage our researchers to become consultants, offering advice and guidelines on how to go about this. Our Professional Development Unit also runs a number of courses that can help you to expand your skills base. And once you make an innovation in your work that has business potential we can help you to license your intellectual property.
SETsquared business incubator
The University of Southampton is one of several universities who are part of the SETsquared business incubator partnership.
This business incubator offers a real kick-start to entrepreneurs and researchers who wish to set-up at business. SETsquared offers up to £50,000 of ‘get-started’ funding, access to free OpenDOOR Software, help with market research, support and guidance from InnovationUK, and a ‘Researcher to Innovator’ course. All of which gives you the resources, as well as the skills to create a successful business out of your research.
University of Southampton Science Park
Our Science Park, based close to our Highfield campus at nearby Chilworth, offers a flexible and convenient space for you to grow your business.
You can hire just one desk or a very small space, with no obligations to take on a long-term lease. We also offer mentoring and business support opportunities, as well as numerous networking events with other businesses on the Science Park.
