Business consortium backs North East innovation incubator

Agile Business Consortium has pledged to support a university innovation incubator supporting entrepreneurs in Newcastle.

The consortium has committed to providing a three-year package of support to the university with its dedicated entrepreneur hub as well as a new networking scheme.

Innovation Northumbria: Incubator is a purpose-built facility that offers space and support to students and graduates looking to launch startup companies.

In addition to supporting the hub, the not-for-profit consortium will also contribute £5k a year to Northumbria University’s Enterprise Fund.

The fund will complement the university’s new Enterprise Club, which aims to connect entrepreneurs with business leaders for mentoring, knowledge sharing and support.

Agile Business Consortium has also pledged £3k a year for the next three years to provide student prizes and scholarship support to budding entrepreneurs.

Emily Ruffle, head of insights at the Agile Business Consortium, explained: “This new incubator and Enterprise Fund is an excellent initiative by Northumbria University.

“It will help create a new generation of students and young entrepreneurs, fully prepared for the modern world of business, where agility is the key to growth and success – Generation Agile.

“We are sure this marks the start of a long and positive relationship with Northumbria University.”

Lucy Winskell OBE, pro vice-chancellor for employability and partnerships at Northumbria, added: “We have big ambitions to help inspire more people in more ways to take on the challenges of tomorrow.

“With the help of valued partners such as the Agile Business Consortium, we continue to support our staff, students and alumni by investing in world-class research, education and facilities.

“This support from the Consortium is helping us put plans into place to make a real difference for our students for many years to come.”

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