Enterprise Lab will encourage innovation

HENLEY Business School, part of the University of Reading, has launched the Henley Enterprise Lab (HELAB), a new platform for students and recent alumni to develop their business ideas and secure funding.

The HELAB will provide members with sponsored extra-curricular initiatives, competitions and funding opportunities, collaboration with regional, national and international entrepreneurial organisations and access to work opportunities.

It gives the opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs to develop their ideas, refine their business models, collaborate with industry partners and access the resources necessary to transform their business concepts into viable enterprises.

By leveraging the expertise of Henley’s faculty and an extensive network of industry connections, HELAB will empower its students and alumni to contribute to economic growth and societal impact.

Key opportunities and initiatives include a competition for seed funding, one-on-one advice from experts, a boot-camp and a mentor programme.

HELAB will also host talks on enterprise development that promote engagement with local SMEs, leverage Henley’s engagements with businesses across the UK, enable entrepreneurs seeking to raise finance from Henley Business

Angels and support the commercialisation of research and spinouts from the University of Reading.

Jurek Sikorski, director of HELAB said: “A recent survey by Morning Consult and Samsung found 50% of 16-25-year-olds are looking to set up their own business at some point, and at

Henley Business School we believe in empowering individuals to embrace innovation and create positive change.

“The launch of HELAB is truly a pivotal moment for us representing a strategic move towards a future that will increasingly embrace innovation and entrepreneurship.

“I’m proud to be a part of this future that will contribute to the achievement of responsible and sustainable business practice, supporting the next generation of business leaders.”

HELAB is open to students, alumni, faculty, and external stakeholders interested in entrepreneurship and innovation.

■ For more information about its initiatives, visit: www.henley.ac.uk/helab