VentureVersity Mixer - Birmingham (Aston)
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 speakers (20 min) - Dr Rozbicka & Prof. Richard Hogg will share their experiences 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
About our Guest Speakers
Dr Patrycja Rozbicka
Co-Founder, Culturetude
Dr Patrycja Rozbicka is Associate Professor in Politics and International Relations at Aston University and Co-Founder of Culturetude. Specialising in stakeholder engagement, governance and the creative industries, Patrycja's research explores how industry, government and community organisations work together to shape policy and cultural ecosystems. Through collaborations with local authorities, cultural organisations and industry partners, she has developed a strong track record of translating academic research into practical solutions. Culturetude emerged from the award-winning Live Music Mapping Project and demonstrates how university research can evolve into a scalable business, providing data, mapping and intelligence tools that support the growth of cultural and creative economies.
Professor Richard Hogg
Professor of Photonics, Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies, Aston University
Professor Richard Hogg is Professor of Photonics within Aston University's School of Engineering and Innovation and the Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies. An internationally recognised researcher in photonics and advanced optical technologies, Richard has extensive experience translating cutting-edge engineering research into real-world applications and commercial opportunities. His work spans semiconductor devices, photonic systems and emerging technology development, and he has collaborated extensively with industry partners to bridge the gap between academic research and innovation. Through his research and engagement activities, Richard is passionate about helping researchers explore pathways to impact, commercialisation and venture creation arising from university-based innovation.
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