University of Warwick Science Park's Newsletter
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Welcome to the Winter Edition of SPARK
The last quarter has been packed with innovation, collaboration, and celebration across the University of Warwick Science Park community. From PortalZero’s exciting move to the Business Innovation Centre to refine its electric campervan cooker, to the Ignite Alumni Network meeting that fostered knowledge-sharing among tech start-ups, we’ve seen bold ideas take shape.
Our Business Ready programme continued to deliver impactful support to local enterprises, with Beer & Coffee Co winning a major industry award. Tenants also enjoyed an exclusive preview of Warwick’s STEM Connect Programme, showcasing cutting-edge facilities and future collaboration opportunities.
We explored global growth strategies at our “Go West to the USA or Go East to Japan!” event, helping businesses take their first steps into international markets.
Meanwhile, Warwick marked its 60th anniversary with its largest-ever Alumni Reunion, welcoming over 1,000 graduates from around the world.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported our Macmillan Coffee Mornings which raised over £1,100 for a vital cause.
You can find out more about this and other highlights in this edition of SPARK. Here’s to the continued growth of progress, partnerships, and community spirit!
Mark Tock, Chief Operations Officer
University of Warwick Science Park
Vanguard Centre’s £6m refurb to attract innovative life science firms
The University of Warwick Science Park is set to transform the Vanguard Centre, a longstanding space within the science park, into a high-quality commercial building, featuring approx.13,600 sq ft of dedicated lab space, 8,000 sq ft of office space along with modern meeting facilities and collaborative communal workspaces.
The project will have strong environmental credentials with sustainable building methods being used throughout construction, electric vehicle charging on site, electric-only M&E systems, and high EPC and BREEAM ratings – indicators of high sustainability – being targeted.
Electric campervan cooker inventors hope Science Park move will bring investment
A start-up that has created a fully electric portable cooker for the growing campervan market is hoping a move to new Coventry premises will help it perfect its product and secure crucial investment.
Hospitality firm wins customers and scoops award after Business Ready support
A group of Warwickshire hospitality venues has been able to reach more customers than ever before after advice from a business support service unlocked its marketing potential – and even helped one of its pubs win a major industry award.
Grants Now Available to Support Growth for Warwickshire SMEs in Key Sectors
Warwickshire’s small businesses now have the chance to secure up to £50,000 in funding thanks to the newly enhanced Small Capital Grants scheme from Warwickshire County Council.
AI and Quantum Computing: What innovators need to know about intellectual property in 2025
Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to dominate headlines, but 2025 marks a turning point: the convergence of AI and Quantum Computing (QAI) is no longer theoretical. Marks & Clerk annual AI Report dives deeper into these trends, offering practical insights for innovators navigating this fast-changing landscape.
UWSP Tenants receive exclusive preview of the STEM Connect Programme
A select group of UWSP tenants were invited to an exclusive preview of the University of Warwick’s ambitious STEM Connect Programme, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the university’s investment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
&Evolve Celebrates Success at Prestigious Industry Awards
Warwick Innovation Centre, &Evolve, a leading UK workplace culture and engagement consultancy, is celebrating after winning the Personnel Today Award for Workplace Culture for its work with AG Paving and Building Products.
Warwick marks 60 years with its largest ever Alumni Reunion
As the first reunion of its kind at Warwick, the day brought together over 1,000 graduates from across six decades for talks, campus tours, live performances, activities, and opportunities to reconnect with the wider University community.
UWSP delivers festive cheer with third year of KidsOut support
This Christmas, tenants and staff across UWSP’s four centres joined KidsOut’s Giving Tree initiative for the third year running. With over 300 gift tags representing children’s festive wishes, our community came together to select and purchase gifts, helping to make Christmas brighter for children in need.
What are Business Incubators Accelerators?
From refining ideas and finding your first customers to securing funding and scaling up, the journey can feel overwhelming without the right support.
What is the linear and circular economy?
Most products we use today follow a linear path, but the circular economy is about keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible.
Developing a powerful proposition workshop
📆 20 January: When you are asked to talk about your business are you ever lost for words? Maybe you struggle to get your point across? Join this Business Ready workshop to learn how to create a powerful proposition for your business.
SEO workshop for growing businesses
📆 27 January: By the end of this workshop, you won’t just understand SEO; you’ll have a plan. Learn actionable insights into the strategies behind successful SEO that you can apply directly to your business.
Coventry and Warwickshire Champions breakfast meeting
📆 28 January: Join for a morning of inspiring keynote speakers, valuable networking opportunities, and great conversations with business leaders and professionals from across the region.
Female founders unfiltered: What it's like being an Entrepreneur
📆 06 February: Connect with female entrepreneurs from all stages of business growth, form collaborations, and tap into the incredible support network of the Female Founders Start-Up Initiative.
And Finally…
As we wrap up this edition of SPARK, the team at the University of Warwick Science Park would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Thank you for being a part of the University of Warwick Science Park community.
Warm festive wishes,
The University of Warwick Science Park Team
