VentureVersity Mixer - Edgmond (Harper Adams)
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 Toby Williams, Co-Founder of AFTRAK
Meet the room (30 min) - a friendly, informal networking activity to get people talking, followed by informal conversations with fellow attendees
About our Guest Speaker:
Dr Toby Williams
Co-founder, Aftrak
Dr Toby Williams is co-founder of Aftrak, an award-winning venture transforming smallholder farming across sub-Saharan Africa. Aftrak combines solar microgrids, electric tractors and innovative farming methods to increase agricultural productivity while bringing clean energy to rural communities. Originally developed through university research and innovation, Aftrak is now operating in Malawi, with expansion plans across multiple African markets. The venture won the Milken-Motsepe Prize in Green Energy, has attracted support from Innovate UK and the Consortium for Battery Innovation, and has been featured by both CNN and the BBC World Service. Toby brings first-hand experience of turning research and innovation into a globally recognised venture delivering real-world impact.
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