Navigating New Horizons: The First 100 Days At Nexus, University Of Leeds Innovation Hub

Since joining Nexus as Director in September 2023, it has been a busy, yet rewarding, first few months. I’m proud to be working alongside a talented team to drive forward Nexus’ mission of supporting businesses, fostering collaboration, and catalysing innovation.

Engaging with our business community

Over the past 100 days, I have focused on a number of key priorities to drive Nexus’ key goals and vision for the future. Firstly, I have dedicated time to getting to know our community of businesses and the true benefit of collaboration between these businesses and academics at the University of Leeds. This collaboration brings together the expertise and research capabilities of universities with the practical knowledge and industry experiences of both our members, and other business leaders. Engaging with business leaders and understanding their specific needs and challenges allows us to tailor our support and services to better cater to each specific business requirement.

By fostering a culture of collaboration and teamwork, we encourage open communication and ensuring everyone feels valued and included, we can maximise our collective potential and achieve greater success.

Developing expertise clusters

Another top priority for Nexus, and myself, has been providing essential resources and infrastructure for start-ups within the healthtech, fintech and smart cities sectors.

These sectors present immense opportunities for advancement and innovation and by fostering cooperation between academia and industry we can drive forward research and development in these areas. Nexus also currently offers state-of-the-art lab space that small businesses can use to conduct cutting-edge research.

By positioning Nexus as a key player in each of these key sectors, we can create an active community in the region, where new small companies, growing businesses and big leaders can share thoughts, work together, and push forward ideas. Solidifying Nexus’ role in the regional ecosystem through collaborations with our valued partners allows us to leverage each other’s strengths and resources, ultimately creating a more supportive and cohesive business environment throughout Leeds and beyond.

Raising Nexus’ profile

Lastly, I have been working diligently to raise Nexus’ profile both in the region and internationally. By showcasing our unique offerings and successes, we can attract new opportunities, investors, and partners from around the globe. This expansion will not only benefit Nexus but also contribute to the overall growth and prosperity of our region. Nexus has generated £100 million, to support the economy in Leeds, as well as £250,000 in regional economic output as a result of 15 international events facilitated by Nexus in 2023.

Already, we have made progress on Nexus expansion goals, with new international members added from across Europe and North America. My focus has been securing funding, resources and partnerships for startups and SMEs here, with growth in support provided.

There have also been concerted efforts to reinforce Nexus as an anchor institution in Leeds and West Yorkshire, convening key players to further strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem.

This includes our role in crucial initiatives such as the Innovative Entrepreneurs programme, funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority. An initiative providing intensive support to diverse entrepreneurs from West Yorkshire seeking to accelerate the start of their innovation-based, purpose-driven new ventures.

From speaking directly with our sector specialists, to participating in regional partner events, I have prioritised engaging the Nexus community. We take pride in developing talent, encouraging peer learning, and fostering connections for shared success.

As Nexus marks its five-year anniversary this year, we are poised to build on our foundations with expansion plans that will see us supporting more businesses international and globally. Starting from our foundation in Leeds, we will continue striving to secure innovation in the region for the long term.

The first 100 days have shown me the immense potential of Nexus, thanks to our people, partners and the culture of collaboration we have worked hard to grow. I look forward to continuing to develop this network for widespread impact. There are certainly bright horizons ahead.

Nexus is a vibrant community that helps turn big ideas into reality, whether developing a new product or growing a successful business. The Nexus community is comprised of high-growth businesses across the globe and has a physical base in a state-of-the-art innovation hub on the University of Leeds campus.
Nexus brings together the brightest minds from business, tech and academia. The community includes bold innovators, UK-based funders, subject matter experts, and successful entrepreneurs. Find out more here