Forging stronger ties: how universities and investors can accelerate deep tech commercialisation
At the launch of SETsquared’s Deal Readiness Toolkit, leaders from across the deep tech investment ecosystem came together to tackle a critical question: how can we strengthen the relationship between universities and investors to unlock more high-impact spin-outs?
University research is a powerhouse of innovation, but translating ideas into real-world impact often hinges on one factor: early-stage investment. Yet for many academic teams, attracting investor attention can be daunting.
Pitching is a key skill for any successful entrepreneur. A great pitch can capture attention, engage customers, and help secure investment.
This two-hour workshop with expert Amy Armstrong is designed to help you harness nerves, engage your audience, and deliver your best pitch. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to boost their delivery.
Is your business ready to break into global defence markets?
29 July, 15:00 - 16:00, Online
Join UK Defence and Security Exports (UK DSE) for a hands-on session to navigate export controls, unlock international markets and tap into government support.
Hear from Jacob Cooney, SME Engagement Project Manager at UK DSE, who brings experience organising SME support and facilitating international trade for the defence and security sectors.
He’ll share tips to help you access new markets and build relationships with key defence stakeholders, including buyers, regional experts and military capability officers.
Discover how your innovation can meet global defence demand and align with the UK’s strategic ambitions.
Turn your hydrogen idea into impact - fully-funded expert training is open for applications
Have a game-changing hydrogen idea? Whether you're building a product, launching a start-up, or shaping strategy, two new fully-funded GW-SHIFT programmes can help you transform it into a real-world success.
Choose the training that fits you:
Research Impact - for early career researchers
Hydrogen Launchpad - for entrepreneurs, public sector or civic innovators, SMEs or large corporates
Enjoy flexible online learning, plus access to the SETsquared Innovation Platform and expert hydrogen support.
Are you developing AI technology with the potential to become an exceptional start-up?
Apply by 17 August
The Future Worlds AIR26 Bootcamp is a free, two-day start-up immersion designed for ambitious researchers ready to explore the commercial potential of their AI innovation.
Learn about business models, market fit, customers, and tech, then pitch for a spot on a fully-funded six-month accelerator to get investor-ready.
Ammonia: the hydrogen carrier fuelling our net zero
12 September, 12:00 - 13:00, Online
Hydrogen is critical to the clean energy transition, but scaling it presents major challenges. Is ammonia the key to unlocking its full potential?
Join us for a free, one-hour online seminar with Professor Agustin Valera-Medina, Director of the Net Zero Innovation Institute at Cardiff University, to explore how ammonia can simplify hydrogen storage, enable cleaner fuels, and accelerate decarbonisation.
Accelerating your research commercialisation journey
Take a look at our Deal Readiness Toolkit launch that we held in London, May 2025.
Funded by Research England and developed by the SETsquared Partnership, in collaboration with investors, law firms, and patent attorneys, the Deal Readiness Toolkit is a free, open-access resource available for everyone. The Toolkit offers practical advice, standardised templates, checklists, and structured support to speed up your journey.
ESA or UKSA? Choosing the right funding partner for your innovation
For UK space start-ups, understanding how to navigate public funding is critical. Both the European Space Agency (ESA) and the UK Space Agency (UKSA) offer strong support, but with distinct roles.
Many ventures benefit from engaging with both, beginning with UKSA to build national credibility, then scaling with ESA for international reach and technical validation.
EarthScale: A new national programme to scale climate technology
Apply by 7 September
Across the UK, high-potential climate innovations are emerging, but many of these ventures stall between prototype/spin-out and commercial success. That's where EarthScale comes in. Their mission is to bridge this gap, and to support the scaling up of new technologies centred around climate.
EarthScale is a new UK-wide 12-month programme supporting IP-rich start-ups and spin-outs to scale their climate tech solutions.
Backed by a powerhouse network of regional university hubs, the programme delivers:
Access to world-class technical & manufacturing facilities
Expert enterprise development and investor connections
.jpg?upscale=true&width=1200&upscale=true&name=image_processing20250630-1-bvdf3o%20(1).jpg)
