Picture: Clive Hayter (left), University of Chichester, and Nigel Lambe, Sussex Innovation, sign the MoU.
The University of Chichester has teamed up with Sussex Innovation to help researchers turn promising commercial ideas into practical, real-world opportunities.
The two organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), creating an alliance that will provide expert advice to help bring new business ideas to market through the University’s Chi Innovate programme.
Chi Innovate helps identify and develop ideas emerging from research and teaching activities, and allows academics to explore the commercial, social and public value of their work.
Through the collaboration, members of the University will be able to access specialist support, including market research, business planning and advice on how to develop and bring new ideas to market.
Professor Symeon Dagkas, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chichester, said: “This represents an important step in strengthening our support for entrepreneurship across the University. By working with Sussex Innovation, we are creating new opportunities for our researchers to develop ideas with commercial potential, helping to translate their knowledge into tangible benefits for businesses, communities and the wider society.”
Dr Clive Hayter, Director of Research & Innovation at the University of Chichester, said “The signing of this MoU marks an important milestone in our ambition to create a stronger culture of innovation across the University. Through Chi Innovate, we want to provide our academics and partners with access to the expertise needed to transform promising ideas into real impact.”
Nigel Lambe CEO at Sussex Innovation, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the University of Chichester through Chi Innovate. Universities play a critical role in generating new ideas, technologies and solutions, and our aim is to help researchers navigate the journey from concept to impact. We look forward to working closely with the University to support innovation, commercialisation and knowledge exchange.”