New innovation hub to support businesses opens in Exeter city centre

Published: 10 January 2024

The opening of a new Innovation Hub aimed at supporting businesses and entrepreneurs in Exeter city centre has been welcomed by the Council.

Exeter Innovation, led by the University of Exeter, harnesses the university’s world-leading research and education, working in partnership with organisations of all types and sizes to create a greener, healthier and fairer future.

Each year it works with more than 2,000 partners to develop new innovations and solutions that make a positive impact on communities locally, nationally and globally.

The Exeter Innovation Hub has opened a new hub in Dix’s Field, opposite the Civic Centre, which aims to be a front door for accessing the university’s support service in the heart of the city centre.

It allows people who want to tap into the university’s expertise to make an appointment and drop-in to discuss ideas or plans they may have.

Cllr Phil Bialyk, Leader of the City Council, who attended the opening, said: “The opening of the Innovation Hub is a big step forward for Exeter and the university.

“The hub will support the Exeter business community to grow, to thrive, or to develop new ideas to innovate – this is important for the success of the city.

“It will also support and encourage students to stay in Exeter to develop their own business ideas. Again, this is really important for the growth of the city and wider region, in developing a knowledge economy and well-paid jobs.”

The City Council’s Chief Executive Bindu Arjoon, who also attended the opening, said: “I wish this new hub every success and I very much welcome the collaborative approach, with the university working alongside the City Council and other partners in the city to encourage and support innovation in Exeter.”

The project has been part-funded with £208,500 by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

For more details visit https://www.exeterinnovation.com/