Elevator to open Centre of Entrepreneurship in Dundee

Elevator to open Centre of Entrepreneurship in Dundee

• Centre opens thanks to unique collaboration with the University of Dundee
• £250,000 invested by Elevator, University and other key partners
• Applicants sought for new business Accelerator programme 

In a unique collaboration with the University of Dundee, Elevator is set to open the doors of its latest Centre of Entrepreneurship and is calling for applicants to take part in a new business Accelerator programme.

Designed to promote and support creative, innovation-driven companies from across Dundee, Tayside and beyond, the centre – located within the University of Dundee campus – represents a £250,000 investment by Elevator, the University and other key partners.

The new centre will aim to drive innovation within businesses and commercialise new and existing technologies across many sectors including life sciences, digital media, gaming and other creative sectors. 

Companies will be able to take part in Elevator’s intensive 12 week Accelerator Programme, gain access to funding opportunities, build an extensive network and take advantage of local Business Gateway assistance.  

Inspired by Elevator’s headquarters in Aberdeen, the centre will be located in the University’s Heathfield building.  Aiming to foster a culture of entrepreneurship, the centre will be open to all aspiring entrepreneurs and innovation driven companies across Tayside and beyond. The centre is the result of a unique partnership with the University and its operation is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Designed to be used by early stage, existing companies and creative innovators, the centre will act as a hub for free advice on starting or scaling your company, design led practice, commercialisation and funding or investment opportunities, positioning Dundee as the regional powerhouse for entrepreneurship as the city continues its own £1bn redevelopment.

Elevator, a social enterprise, is committed to supporting the entrepreneurs and companies of today and the future. 

By providing world-class business support and advice, nurturing enterprising behaviour and providing affordable office space, Elevator has helped support more than 2,000 companies start up or scale up over the last year, exceeding its target by 30%.

It is hoped the opening of the new Centre of Entrepreneurship will provide a catalyst for further success and allow Elevator to support more enterprises than ever before.

Professor Gary McEwan, chief executive of Elevator and honorary professor of entrepreneurship at the University of Dundee, said: “The renaissance vision created by the people of Dundee demonstrates a high level of progression and ambition for the city and the region.  This dynamic outlook is partly driven by the recognition being achieved by the University of Dundee.

“The time is now right for this powerful alliance to begin the work of supporting more start-up and scale-up businesses, to provide the city with significant enterprises that will flourish, creating jobs and wealth for the area.  This new centre will support the entrepreneurs who will drive the future economy.

“The dynamic design aesthetic on display in our headquarters in Aberdeen is being recreated here in Dundee. Our teams are looking forward to seeing it come alive with entrepreneurial spirit in September, when we open the doors to our first Cohort.”

Brian McNicoll, manager of enterprise and entrepreneurship at the University of Dundee, added: “Dundee is already renowned for its digital and computing success and as the city continues its £1bn development, this exciting new Centre of Entrepreneurship will help capitalise and drive our aims further to make Dundee a hub of entrepreneurship and the regional destination for enterprising start-ups.”

Councillor Lynne Short, Dundee City Council city development convener said: "This is a fantastic move that will help to inspire people with design ideas to transform them into business propositions.

 "Along with depute convener Mark Flynn, I recently visited Elevator 's operation in Aberdeen and we were extremely impressed by the enthusiasm and skill that they are focusing on this new venture in Dundee.

"I am thrilled to see yet another positive partnership emerges in the city to help drive our economy forward."

The new Centre of Entrepreneurship is due to open in late August, with an official launch event taking place in September. 

Applications for a place to take part in Elevator’s 12 week flagship Accelerator programme are open now. Places will be limited and competition is expected to be high.