University of Warwick Science Park's Newsletter
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Welcome to the Summer Edition of SPARK
In this edition, we’re pleased to share that the Business Ready programme will continue to support Warwickshire’s tech businesses following renewed investment from Warwickshire County Council - ensuring vital support for ambitious SMEs looking to scale.
We also highlight the impact of our support in action, from Data Plumbers’ growth through AI-enabled efficiency to businesses securing grant funding and expanding into new markets. Alongside this, our 2024/25 Impact Report reflects a year of strong growth, innovation, and measurable economic contribution across the Science Park community.
You’ll also find inspiring stories from high-growth start-ups, including an AI company achieving profitability in its first year, as well as insights into funding opportunities, R&D support, and innovation-led business development.
Finally, don’t miss our upcoming events, including our IP & Fundraising Masterclass on 25 June.
We hope you enjoy the update and find opportunities to engage with our growing innovation community.
Mark Tock, Chief Operations Officer
University of Warwick Science Park
Business Ready Programme Extended to Support Warwickshire Tech Companies
University of Warwick Science Park’s Business Ready programme will continue to support Warwickshire’s tech-based businesses after Warwickshire County Council agreed to increase its investment following the loss of government funding.
Now in its 10th year of delivery, Business Ready has helped thousands of SMEs since it was launched 2016. The programme provides bespoke support to innovative and ambitious SMEs with potential to scale, helping them access funding, benefit from one-to-one mentoring, receive finance management guidance, and participate in skills development workshops.
Ignite Alumni Network Event Highlights New Applied AI Lab for Business Innovation
The University of Warwick Science Park has revealed further details of a new programme aimed at helping businesses unlock the potential of artificial intelligence and accelerate innovation.
Minerva Business Angels coordinates £400,000 investment into Digit Music
Minerva Business Angels has successfully coordinated a £400,000 investment into Digit Music, a fast-growing MusicTech company, as part of the company’s £500,000 funding round.
Building the workforce for future innovation: Why graduates matter
Recruitment has become one of the biggest barriers to business growth. Owned and operated by the University of Warwick, Graduate Talent connects employers with ambitious graduates from across the UK.
Edwards Accountants: R&D Grants for UK Tech Businesses
If your business is investing in innovation, R&D grants can provide non-dilutive funding to accelerate growth, without loans, interest, or giving up shares. Edwards Accounts share some useful information in our latest guest column.
A year of growth and innovation at University of Warwick Science Park
The University of Warwick Science Park has released its Impact Report for 2024/25, which summarises the effects of its sites and its business support schemes on its tenants and start-ups, as well as the wider economy.
AI start-up turns profit in first year after targeted business support
A Warwick-based artificial intelligence start-up that uses the AI agents it creates for clients in its own business has marked its first anniversary by turning a profit – a rare feat for fledgling companies – with the help of targeted business support and investment.
Vanguard Centre - Launching Autumn 2026
A space reimagined for life science and technology businesses, with refurbished CL2 laboratory and office space launching this autumn.
University of Warwick rises to 68th in QS World University Rankings
The University of Warwick strengthens its global position, climbing 6 places in the latest QS World University Rankings.
Warwick secures approximately £5 million investment to train future cyber and engineering specialists
The University of Warwick has been awarded approximately £5 million by the Ministry of Defence to expand education and skills training in areas critical to national security, including cyber security and engineering.
UWSP community supports LWS Night Shelter with Easter donations
Colleagues and tenants across the University of Warwick Science Park came together to support their Charity of the Year, LWS Night Shelter, with a generous collection of Easter eggs and food donations. Contributions were gathered from across the Venture Centre, Business Innovation Centre, Warwick Innovation Centre, and Scale Up.
University of Warwick Science Park Supports Mental Health Awareness Week
Across our innovation centres, we were proud to support activities that brought people together and encouraged positive wellbeing as part of Mental Health Awareness Week, led by the Mental Health Foundation. It was a great opportunity to create space for conversations that help support mental wellbeing across our community.
Finding Wellbeing in Nature: Exploring Wildlife on the University of Warwick Campus
The main University of Warwick campus offers expansive green spaces, lakes, and walking routes that provide an opportunity to step away from the desk, reset, and recharge. Whether it’s a quick lunchtime stroll or a more mindful break between meetings, these natural surroundings can play a meaningful role in supporting wellbeing.
IP & Fundraising Masterclass for High-Growth Businesses
📆 25 June: Join our business growth event exploring IP, fundraising and investment readiness, featuring a live panel with DSW Ventures, Mercia Ventures and Minerva Business Angels.
Recruitment Challenges - Business Ready
📆 1 July: An insightful workshop focused on hiring challenges, workforce transformation and improving recruitment outcomes. Exploring how recruitment is not just a function.
SEO in 2026: For Businesses Ready to Grow
📆 14 July: With practical exercises included that are focused on your website, this in-person Business Ready workshop gives you actionable insights into SEO.
Want you or your team to work more dynamically?
📆 29 July: A blend of VR escape room, team building and behavioural preferences. This programme puts you through your paces as part of a team to complete a VR escape room challenge.
