Innovate Surrey Ltd (ISL) is a commercial holding company under the University of Surrey and is dedicated to delivering exceptional value returns to the University across physical and intellectual assets and operational services. ISL shares the University’s values of inclusion, inspiration, innovation, and integrity. The University of Surrey – which is one of only three UK universities to score Top 20 in both student satisfaction and research outputs – has a world-class reputation for undertaking research that addresses global challenges, drives innovation, and delivers real-world impact. Research intensity is at the heart of our future strategy, as we enhance excellence¸ build scale, and bring together disciplinary strengths. Our excellent innovation ecosystem continues to grow at pace, supported by ISL and the award-winning Surrey Research Park, which in turn drives our renewed focus on industrial and government engagement.
With the University embarking on the development of Strategy 2041, ISL is seeking a Non-Executive Director who will be able to offer strategic guidance and direction to the board and portfolio company executives on IP commercialisation, spin-outs, spin-ins, start-ups, and scale-ups. The NED will be expected to provide deep knowledge and insights into trends, challenges and opportunities related to IP, technology commercialisation and start-ups, and to collaborate effectively with fellow board members on the development of long-term strategies for ISL. In addition, they will assist portfolio companies in identifying and evaluating business development opportunities, contribute to risk mitigation strategies, and engage with potential investors, stakeholders and industry networks to build relationships, attract investment, and facilitate access to funding sources for portfolio companies.
The successful candidate will offer a deep and rounded understanding of the IP and tech commercialisation ecosystem. They will also bring well-established networks within the IP, VC and start-up communities, with the ability to leverage them effectively. International experience, plus familiarity with corporate governance principles, legal and regulatory frameworks, and IP rights management, will be valuable. The role is unremunerated, with an anticipated time commitment of 4 – 5 meetings per year.
Applications are invited at your earliest convenience, and in any event by no later than close of business on Friday 21 July 2023.
At Surrey, we are very proud of the diversity within our community and are committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equitable opportunities for all. Achieving our strategic vision relies on our proven ability to attract the best people from the UK and internationally to work and study here. We are proud members of the Race Equality Charter and the Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality. We are also a Stonewall Diversity Champion and a committed Disability Confident employer.