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UMI3 ENTREPRENEURSHIP FORUM IQuBit and Student Enterprise Update... graduates start their own on-line business within seven days. Build a website, learn to market it, create interesting content, talk to your first customer, and make a sale - all in seven days. In February, we welcomed 25 student entrepreneurs to the launch of our digital accelerator, IQuBit, located in the Core Technology Facility on Grafton Street. IQuBit provides space for a new generation of software, social networking and digital ventures, and supports ideas for information and communication technology based products and services created by researchers, students or recent alumni from the University. IQuBit offers a range of services and opportunities to qualifying entrepreneurs such as; access to world class mentors, networking opportunities at prominent events, prestigious on campus location in well-equipped start-up facilities, assistance with attracting funding, PR and communications support and much more. Following the successful launch, we welcomed our first four tenants: ZenGuard, Manchester Entrepreneurs, TransApp/National Consortium of University Entrepreneurs (NACUE) and Kaffeination. We have received numerous applications for space from budding student entrepreneurs throughout the University, and competition for a coveted spot has been fierce. ZenGuard, provider of encrypted net surfing software, have now graduated to investor backed Axel Springer Plug and Play business accelerator in Berlin. They will soon be launching their product following extensive prototype testing. In partnership with IQuBit ambassadors Manchester Entrepreneurs and NACUE, we have been running a series of successful events promoting student entrepreneurship within the digital field. With the help of University graduate Nikolay Piryankov, we hosted Unipreneur, an intensive course designed to help students and recent Following this, former president of Manchester Entrepreneurs, Fahim Sachedina ran Startup Hacks at TechHub. This was a 48 hour weekend for developers, designers and business minded entrepreneurs to think, develop and ultimately create a business within that time. We provided a £1000 prize to go towards the "Most Valuable Entrepreneur from The University of Manchester" won by Stan Reinholds from TransApp and NACUE. The next event in IQuBit's calendar will be the Grand Challenge in which students from the University will spend three days developing social network building solutions/ideas for an SME based in Manchester. Mentors and key note speakers will be on hand throughout this period to assist the students' idea development. On the fourth day, students will be asked to pitch their solutions to the SME's technical team with the chance of winning an internship, monetary prizes and potentially equity in the new start-up. Former president of Manchester Entrepreneurs, Fahim Sachedina comments: "Enterprise activity at the University has been at its highest level this academic year, due to the number of institutions working together to put on fantastic, relevant and engaging events and support networks. IQuBit, in collaboration with Manchester Entrepreneurs, has played a central role in establishing a physical hub for student entrepreneurs to work together, learn from each other and leverage the University facilities in order to accelerate their business. UMI3, in particular, has been outstanding in their approach to listen to student needs and allow everyone to be made aware of all the incredible resources on our very doorstep." Future plans include growing the IQuBit space to double capacity and continuing with a range of exciting and innovative digital events, including another popular Unipreneur in November. If you are a budding digital student entrepreneur and want to find out more about IQuBit, our events or Manchester Entrepreneurs, please contact Ellie Sagar, ellie.sagar@umip.com, 0161 606 7265 for further information. Celebration of 25 Years of Service and Board and Office Manager for the Corporate Team. To celebrate this landmark, an informal get-together was held in UMIC's Innovation Café and Restaurant which had been decorated with photos and flowers. Coffee and cakes were served and speeches given by friends and colleagues, both past and present. Susan Shaw receives her award from Dr Krishnamurthy Rajagopal January 2013 marked 25 years of service to the University by UMI3s Susan Shaw. Susan started working at the University in 1988 as a Senior Secretary within the technology transfer office (at that time known as Vuman Ltd) on the Manchester Science Park. During 1992, her role changed to that of PA to the Chief Executive and subsequently, in 2004, at the time of the Universities' merger, she became Executive Assistant to the CEO Susan comments: "I have enjoyed every minute of my time at the University. The nature of the work is interesting, as we are continually hearing of newly discovered technologies. I have also seen much change at the company over the 25 years. However, one thing has remained constant – I have always worked with a great set of colleagues. I have also made some life-long friends too. I've always felt appreciated in my work but I was absolutely delighted to receive the award in recognition of my long service. During the formal presentation at February's Board Meeting, UMI3 Chairman, Dr Krishnamurthy Rajagopal, commented: "Susan provides excellent support to the Directors and is always very efficient," and he thanked her for her dedication over the years. UMI3 CEO, Clive Rowland, said: "Susan represents all that is best about UMI3 and the University. UMI3 has been very fortunate in having such a first-class hard working professional working for them." 3

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