VentureVersity Mixer - Derby (Cavendish)
Are you working on an idea for a new product or service, based on your University work or research? Join us for an informal conversation, inspiration and early exploration.
Overview
VentureVersity Mixers are free, informal events for university staff, researchers, technicians and academics who are curious about the wider potential of their work - whether that's a spinout, a licensing opportunity, or simply a question worth exploring. We're backed by Forging Ahead – a Research England supported, 16-University wide collaboration, on a mission to supercharge the Midlands University innovation community. We welcome attendees from any discipline or University.
You won't be asked to pitch. You won't need a business plan. You just need an idea – or a hunch – and an open mind.
What to expect:
Welcome & networking (30 min) - arrive and grab a drink and a snack
About VentureVersity (20 min) - we'll explain the programme, how it works and why
Guest speaker (20 min) - Dr Tom Illingworth will share his experience of taking an idea from research to venture
Meet the room (30 min) - a friendly, informal networking activity to get people talking, followed by informal conversations with fellow attendees
More about our Guest Speaker:
Dr Tom Illingworth
Lecturer in Biomedical Science & Public Health, University of Derby
Dr Tom Illingworth is a Lecturer in Biomedical Science and Public Health at the University of Derby and Entrepreneurial Lead for the Aptamer Innovation Hub.
Through Innovate UK's ICURe programme, Tom and his team transformed a promising research platform into a commercially validated opportunity with strong spinout potential. The experience helped them move beyond the laboratory, engage directly with customers and industry partners, and build confidence in commercialisation. Tom is passionate about helping researchers identify real-world applications for their work and fostering a stronger culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within academia.
Places are limited. If you're curious, register now - no commitment required beyond showing up.
Mixers are a part of the FIND stage of the VentureVersity programme – VentureVersity is a free fully-funded programme designed to help University staff to build momentum around projects which have potential to become new products & services.
Projects accepted onto the VentureVersity Programme have the chance to apply for up to £60,000 of funding and support to help them accelerate their project development.
Applications are OPEN and close on 31 July 2026 – learn more and apply here: https://www.ventureversity.org