Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, where you grew up and your career journey to date?
I'm originally from Malta, where I did my Undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering. I moved to Glasgow in 2016 to do my master’s at Strathclyde’s Department of Design, Manufacturing & Engineering Management (DMEM). After I graduated, I started working for a construction start up where I was able to learn a huge amount about trying to get a business off the ground, bringing a product to market, and applying for funding for Research and Development. After a few years at the start up, an opportunity came up to join the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) where I worked as an SME Engagement Adviser and then a Business Development Manager. I was able to draw on my experience of working in a start up to support small businesses to engage with NMIS, apply for funding and bring their products closer to market readiness.
What is your role at the University of Strathclyde and what are your main responsibilities?
I am an Industry Engagement and Commercialisation Manager and I help to make connections between industry and the university to facilitate the transfer of knowledge from our world class academics to our industrial partners. Another major element of the work we do is helping academics to understand the potential commercial value of their research and access the significant support that's available to them through Strathclyde Inspire and the Stage Gated Commercialisation Process, whether that's through licencing or creating a spin out company.
Why should University staff, students and alumni work with the team at Strathclyde Inspire?
Strathclyde Inspire have developed an incredible network of Supporters from outside the university. This external network as well as the internal support available is pretty unique to Strathclyde and I would encourage anyone interested in Entrepreneurship to find out more about what's going on.
The Inspire team host a number of events delivered by Supporters. These range from designing a logo to engaging with venture capitalist firms, so no matter what stage you're at, there's always something interesting happening.
What's your favourite thing about your role/working with Strathclyde Inspire?
Getting to speak to people who are working on some really unique and exciting things across many different sectors.
What’s your favourite food?
Pasta will always be my favourite food, it's very versatile and you can eat a huge amount of it before you start to feel ill.
What’s your favourite random fact?
According to a 1995 study Pigeons can tell the difference between Picasso and Monet - I'm not sure I could though.
