VentureVersity Mixer - Nottingham (Dryden)
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 Victoria Kroll will share her 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 Victoria Kroll
CEO & Co-founder, Esitu Solutions
Dr Victoria Kroll is CEO and co-founder of Esitu Solutions, a Nottingham Trent University spinout helping organisations improve driver safety through evidence-based hazard perception assessment and training.
With a background in cognitive psychology and human factors research, Victoria worked alongside Professor David Crundall to translate years of road safety research into commercial solutions for the fleet sector. Since launching, Esitu Solutions has worked with clients including National Highways, Siemens, NHS Wales, DVSA and Roads Policing. Victoria brings first-hand experience of moving from academic research into entrepreneurship and building a successful university spinout.
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