Skip to main content Show Menu & Search
Hide Navigation
SWTD podcast banner
Cotie building

SETsquared Exeter and Cotie unite to boost North Devon technology cluster

Joe Bevan
Authored by Joe Bevan
Posted: Thursday, January 13, 2022 - 10:37

SETsquared Exeter and Cotie (Centre of Technology and Innovation Excellence) in North Devon have announced a new partnership to provide a combination of facilities and expertise to innovative technology businesses.

The University of Exeter Enterprise Zone (UEEZ) project, made possible due to funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), has boosted the expansion of its business acceleration offer through SETsquared Exeter with the launch of a dedicated accelerator space on the Exeter Science Park.

Accelerator member businesses participate in a structured programme of support which is designed to create rapid growth and ensure long-term sustainability. The new collaboration will enable Cotie members to access the programme from the Cotie Innovation Launchpad based in Barnstaple, extending the reach of the SETsquared Exeter programme into Northern Devon.

The SETsquared Partnership is ranked as the global no. 1 business incubator and enterprise partnership, and has supported over 5,000 entrepreneurs since its inception in 2002, raising £2.72bn investment and creating 10,900 jobs (according to research by Warwick Economics).

The Cotie Innovation Launchpad, developed in association with Petroc, and part-funded by the ERDF, includes facilities such as an expertly equipped development zone with 3D manufacturing technology, a professional conferencing area, open-plan hot desks with high-specification PCs, a cleanroom, and modern design pods, to inspire collaboration and creativity.

Cotie’s mission is to provide SMEs, start-ups, and micro-businesses with access to a wide range of advanced technology-based facilities, all designed to nurture business growth and develop product ideas and concepts.

The formal partnership, which will also support Cotie members in accessing University of Exeter research expertise, is expected to harness the strengths of both organisations.

The alliance will focus on supporting the growth of technology expertise in North Devon and creating new prospects for local business tailored to their needs. It will champion careers in the technology sector and improve retention levels of graduates in the region.

Joe Pearce, Head of Business Support at SETsquared Exeter, University of Exeter, said: “This partnership highlights the key strengths of Cotie and SETsquared Exeter. North Devon is building a thriving technology cluster and we are thrilled to support and enable this growth here and throughout the region.”

Debbie Gower of Cotie said: “Our partnership with SETsquared Exeter gives us the opportunity to be a driving force for innovation and business expansion in North Devon. We recognise times have been challenging for established businesses but also for our start-ups and innovators and this partnership will allow us to support the acceleration of our local businesses in North Devon.”

Share this

Tags