Recognition of UWSP adds to legacy of its far-sighted founders
The University of Warwick Science Park (UWSP) has received international acclaim for its role in supporting innovative start-up businesses.
The park, which is home to dozens of companies, was named as one of Europe’s leading start-up hubs in the inaugural edition of The Financial Times’ ‘Europe’s Leading Start-Up Hubs Special Report.’
UWSP is the only Science Park in the UK to be included in the list, reflecting the superb environment and support services created there to enable emerging companies to set-up, grow and thrive.
The UWSP has proved an enduring success story since it was established in 1982 as a joint venture company owned by Warwickshire County Council, Coventry City Council, the University of Warwick and the West Midlands Enterprise Board. In 2012 the University of Warwick acquired sole ownership of the Science Park, but it continues to work very closely with the councils. UWSP delivers the highly successful Business Ready programme for Warwickshire County Council while Warwick Innovation Centre, designed to meet the specific needs of innovative businesses, is a joint venture between UWSP and the County Council.
The Europe’s Leading Start-Up Hubs Special Report is based on research undertaken by the Financial Times and global data and business intelligence specialists Statista. They interviewed thousands of companies to find the best accelerator and incubator programmes in Europe. It’s recognition of UWSP coincides with the 40th anniversary of the park, its first site at the Venture Centre off Sir William Lyons Road having been opened Margaret Thatcher in 1984.
UWSP Chief Operating Officer, Mark Tock, believes the report will encourage even more ambitious start-ups to join the vibrant business community at UWSP and take space across the Science Park’s sites.
“Being named as one of the best start-up hubs in Europe is wonderful news for UWSP,” he said. “It is clear recognition of the strength of the support we give to all sorts of start-ups, which helps entrepreneurs de-risk their businesses and build towards consistent growth.
“The fact that the report is based on independent research and peer surveys means our inclusion has been fully earned. It’s a wonderful way to mark our 40th anniversary this year, and we’re looking forward to helping even more start-ups grow their ideas into successful businesses on the back of the report.”
UWSP Support for young businesses includes the Ignite Incubator programme which has seen over 700 companies access affordable office and lab space, high-growth and innovation programmes such as Business Ready, and the Minerva Business Angel Network which helps start-ups attract investment.
UWSP’s link with the University of Warwick allows start-ups to benefit from access to world class talent and research facilities and expertise.
One such start-up which has grown dramatically during its time at UWSP is pioneering health company Rightangled, which offers many different health tests for a range of conditions, such as heart disease and Covid-19, while also using patients’ DNA to help clinicians make more informed choices about treatments.
Founder Abdullah Sabyah moved into the Science Park through its Ignite programme and is now based in London after rapid growth.
He said: “The Ignite programme was fantastic for us – I had such little knowledge of how to put together a business plan and NHS procurement when starting out. The programme gave us the expertise we needed to achieve CQC accreditation, which really allowed the business to take off.”
Mark Tock added: “Rightangled is a fantastic example of how we can help a company grow from an idea to an incredible business. We’re looking forward to welcoming even more cutting-edge companies to UWSP in the coming years and helping them flourish.”