- The University officially launched its Enterprise Strategy to accelerate inclusive, technology-driven innovation as a catalyst for business growth and societal benefit
- It sets out how it will achieve impactful outcomes through education, research, knowledge exchange and technology transfer to support the University’s 2030 strategy
- Key initiatives include the Aston Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Aston Business Hub and Aston Ventures.
Aston University launched its Enterprise Strategy to an audience of industry executives, entrepreneurs and local leaders at John Cadbury House in Birmingham city centre on Thursday 6 February 2025.
A cornerstone of the enterprise strategy is the Birmingham Innovation Precinct, an ambitious initiative that will establish a technology-driven innovation ecosystem at the heart of the city built on strategic and inclusive collaborations. The precinct is being developed in partnership between Aston University, Bruntwood SciTech and Birmingham City Council.
The Aston Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, also central to the strategy, will offer world-class enterprise skills. The University will provide extensive support for business founders, start-ups and scale-ups through the Aston Business Hub, with 100 innovative businesses collaborating on campus. In addition, Aston Ventures will expand capacity and capabilities, allowing the commercialisation of exciting new, research-driven technologies.
These initiatives build on Aston University’s culture of inclusivity, entrepreneurship and transformation, as well as its reputation for business collaborations. The number of IP spin-out companies has doubled over the past few years and has an outstanding pipeline with strengths in MedTech.
Aston Ventures will provide early-stage investment and complement the ambitions of Midland Mindforge, the Midlands Innovation Venture Fund. The University is also aiming to create a sector-leading portfolio of 50 Knowledge Transfer Partnerships by 2030.
Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, said:
“Aston University’s enterprise strategy is a pivotal response to our bold 2030 strategy, reflecting our commitment to advancing our impact and reputation as a beacon of excellence in science, technology, and enterprise.
"Designed to keep pace with an ever-evolving business landscape, the multi-faceted framework enables us to deliver transformative outcomes for our people, our students and the diverse communities we serve.”
The Enterprise Strategy launch included a vibrant panel discussion with insights from Mondelez research and innovation leader Joe Tsui, Aston spinout company founder and CEO Ali Al-Khattawi, and Monique Farquharson, a celebrated Aston Business School MBA graduate and Founder of The Matcha Yaad.
Professor Mike Caine, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Research and Enterprise, added:
"Our Enterprise Strategy positions the University at the centre of the Birmingham and West Midlands innovation ecosystem – a catalyst for inclusive, technology-driven, growth and prosperity.
"The University has a proud tradition of translational research, entrepreneurship education and support for business. We will build on these strengths to harness the transformational power of innovation, at scale. We look forward to working in partnership with all who share this vision and commitment.”
You can find out more about the Aston University Enterprise Strategy by visiting its webpage.
- Notes to Editors
About Aston University
For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.
Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.
Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming The Guardian University of the Year in 2020.
Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Loretta Milan, Head of Communications, on (+44) 7773 773060 or email: l.milan@aston.ac.uk
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