Sports hive will hatch ideas that’ll go global
Students, top entrepreneurs and firms will all liaise
Stirling is set to become a centre for some of Scotland’s top sporting minds.
The UK’s first sports business incubator was officially launched at Stirling University Innovation Park last week.
The Sport Hive is an innovative hub in which entrepreneurs, students and businesses will come together to develop ideas that enhance the world of sport.
Several top young entrepreneurs - who are working on groundbreaking products will be based at the centre, which is in the grounds of Stirling University.
“Stirling was a natural home for the hive,” said programme manager Ryan Carenduff. “First and foremost, it is the university for sporting excellence, so it makes complete sense that the incubator should be here.
“There are activities already take place on campus that fit in with what the hive will do, there are academics here and also students with great ideas.”
The Sport Hive is the latest venture by Sporting Chance Initiative, which was set up in 2010 to identify and support Scotland’s sports entrepreneurs. Since its inception, the project has helped over 700 Scottish companies realise their business potential.
Ideas being worked on at the centre include a new body protector for equestrian sport, a hydration product that converts water instantly into an isotonic drink, and a sports sock that reduces the chance of injury.
Michael Harkins was the first ‘entrepreneur in residence’ at the incubator. The Heriot Watt graduate, who teaches at one of Scotland’s top swim schools, is currently developing a multiaward winning children’s floatation aid, Turtle Pack, which promotes the correct body position for learning to swim.
He said: “I started through running my own swim school in Livingston. I was still doing my studies at the time, and wanted to develop what we were doing. We now have 250 people using the swimming school.”
“One of the biggest challenges when you are starting up a business is that it gets very lonely,” he continued. “Being around your family, they don’t always understand or get it. Most people are in an office doing their nine to five jobs. Being round the other incubees and Sporting Chance means you all have someone to talk to, and they understand what it is like.”
“I know fully what Michael is capable of,” Ryan added. “His idea is going to go global. We have some fantastic products being developed here, with great entrepreneurs behind them.”