Midlands science park one of Europe's best

A Midlands science park home to dozens of innovative companies has been named as one of the best in Europe for helping start-ups thrive.

The University of Warwick Science Park (UWSP) has been identified as one of Europe’s leading start-up hubs in the inaugural edition of The Financial Times’ ‘Europe’s Leading Start-Up Hubs Special Report.’

It is the only Science Park in the UK to be included in the list, and reflects the environment and support services UWSP has created for young companies to set-up, grow and thrive.

The report is based on research undertaken by the FT and global data and business intelligence specialists Statista.

They interviewed thousands of companies to find the best 125 for accelerator and incubator programmes in Europe, and used a combination of independent desk research, surveys of alumni and peers, and public calls for participation to create the report.

The news comes as UWSP marks its 40^th anniversary, with its first site at the Venture Centre off Sir William Lyons Road having been opened by former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in 1984.

Mark Tock, COO of UWSP, believes the report will encourage even more ambitious start-ups to join the vibrant business community at UWSP and to take space across the Science Park’s sites.

He said: “Being named as one of the best start-up hubs in Europe is wonderful news for UWSP.

“It’s clear recognition of the strength of the support we give to all sorts of start-ups, which helps entrepreneurs de-risk their businesses and build towards consistent growth.

“The fact that the report is based on independent research and peer surveys means our inclusion has been fully earned.

“It’s a wonderful way to mark our 40^th anniversary this year, and we’re looking forward to helping even more start-ups grow their ideas into successful businesses on the back of the report.”

The inclusion of UWSP in the top tier of European business hubs highlights a 40-year history of success for start-ups. 

Support for young businesses include the Ignite Incubator programme which has seen over 700 companies access affordable office and lab space, high-growth and innovation programmes such as Business Ready, and the Minerva Business Angel Network which helps start-ups attract investment.

And UWSP’s link with the University of Warwick allows start-ups to benefit from access to world class talent and research facilities and expertise.

One such start-up which has grown dramatically during its time at UWSP is pioneering health company Rightangled, which offers many different health tests for a range of conditions, such as heart disease and Covid-19, while also using patients’ DNA to help clinicians make more informed choices about treatments.

Founder Abdullah Sabyah moved into the Science Park through its Ignite programme, and is now based in London after rapid growth.

He said: “The Ignite programme was fantastic for us – I had such little knowledge of how to put together a business plan and NHS procurement when starting out.

“The programme gave us the expertise we needed to achieve CQC accreditation, which really allowed the business to take off.”

Mark added: “Rightangled is a fantastic example of how we can help a company grow from an idea to an incredible business.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming even more cutting-edge companies to UWSP in the coming years and helping them flourish.”