Empowering business start ups at HELIX
Brian Baillie is the Student Enterprise Manager and Incubation Manager for SPARK – the business start-up service at The University of Leeds. Brian and the SPARK team have been using HELIX since its launch, making it the primary hub for enterprise initiatives on campus.
We caught up with Brian to hear about how HELIX is inspiring innovation and entrepreneurial spirit…
Location: SPARK make use of all the spaces within HELIX for its events and workshops. HELIX also welcomes current students and SPARK-supported businesses returning to use the facilities for prototyping and business development.
Aims: The SPARK team use HELIX to foster student entrepreneurship, targeted at all students at the University, provide resources for business development, host events like the Entrepreneurs Exchange and The Leeds Venture competition, and support SPARK Enterprise Scholarships.
Output: Over 40-50 students actively participate in each Spark workshop held at HELIX, covering a variety of topics crucial for budding entrepreneurs. Click here for the schedule.
The Entrepreneurs Exchange, held every two months, brings together around 20 Leeds entrepreneurs who discuss issues and opportunities, and welcomes alumni and business speakers contributing to the philanthropic gifting to Spark.
The biannual Leeds Venture competition sees teams of students from multi-disciplines engaging in a business simulation, with the top 8 teams competing head-to-head in HELIX.
SPARK Enterprise Scholarships, with around 200 entries this year, offers 18 places for students to present their ideas to a panel of enterprise scholars and business advisors. The successful scholars attend an intensive business bootcamp in December each year.
The Makerspace sees active use by students, including Spark-supported businesses returning to use the facilities for prototyping and development.
Impact: The impact extends beyond student entrepreneurs, involving alumni and potential donors through Entrepreneurs Exchange, creating a network that supports the funding of SPARK, and providing opportunities for students to improve their commercial awareness skills. HELIX facilitates this activity through providing a space dedicated to hosting innovation and inspiring creativity.
Why did you choose HELIX for your project?
“HELIX has become the hub for student enterprise activities. We have never had a space like this on campus before that student entrepreneurship can use to optimise students’ innovation and creativity.
The state-of-the-art facilities within HELIX, notably the Makerspace and media suite, played a crucial role in the decision to use the space. Equipped with advanced tools like 3D printers, Omnideck, podcasting suites and other resources, HELIX provides students with the essential infrastructure for early-stage prototyping and innovation.”
How did working in HELIX help you achieve your aims?
“HELIX offers a collaborative environment that facilitates face-to-face workshops, competitions, and networking opportunities. This environment is vital for fostering the spirit of student entrepreneurship. The synergy of being in a dedicated space for enterprise activities fosters creativity, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among students and mentors.
HELIX's adaptability demonstrates its effectiveness in meeting the evolving needs of entrepreneurial student at various stages of their projects.”
Do you have any advice to share from your HELIX experience?
“Explore HELIX's Diverse Facilities:
Students engaged in enterprise activities should thoroughly explore the diverse facilities HELIX offers. These resources can significantly contribute to the development and promotion of their projects.
Participate in Networking Opportunities:
Take full advantage of networking opportunities provided by HELIX, particularly events like Entrepreneurs Exchange. Engaging with alumni and potential donors can open doors to valuable mentorship, funding, and collaboration.
Leverage Extended Reality Technologies:
Consider integrating extended reality technologies available at HELIX, such as VR headsets and the 360 Omnideck, into your projects. These technologies offer unique perspectives and can inspire innovative approaches, adding a dynamic element to your entrepreneurial endeavours.”
Click here to view the SPARK report.
Click here to visit the SPARK website.