CAMPUS STARTUP :The magic touch

Increasing numbers of start up are emerging from third-level incubation centres.

The halls of academia may once have been associated with dusty books and tweed-suited lecturers, but the third-level sector is building a new image for itself as a springboard for start-up companies.

In recent years, the majority of institutions have established campus ‘incubation’ centres.

These facilities are designed to foster entrepreneurship and provide a commercialisation route for research carried out at the educational institutions.

Start-up companies are typically provided with office space at a reduced rent, access to a wide range of support services and business mentoring.

Because they are located on campus, the companies can also have access to the next generation of skilled workers.