Exeter University joins SETsquared partnership

The SETsquared partnership is a long-running collaboration between the universities of Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Southampton and Surrey.

It is involved in enterprise activities and collectively supports the growth and success of new business opportunities through spin-outs, licensing and incubation.

The partnership also works with established industry partners through research collaboration and consultancy. Between them, the 7,000-plus academics at the five universities are responsible for nearly nine per cent of the UK’s research budget.

Over the last five years, SETsquared claims to have supported around 650 companies, raised £150m in capital and created more than 1,000 jobs.

Keith Robson, chair of the SETsquared Management Group, said: ‘In these lean economic times, it is essential that our academic institutions maximise their contribution to the wider economy and expanding our membership will support this goal.

‘Exeter is an institution that produces outstanding research and is strongly engaged with its regional business community. It will be an excellent fit with SETsquared’s existing members.’