Growing the impact of Warwick and the region's research through commercialisation
Dr Tim Hart will step into the role of Director for Warwick Innovations, taking over from Kevin Marks, who will move to a part-time role focusing on ICURe and Midlands Mindforge.
Tim will report to David Plumb, Chief Innovation Officer, and lead on the commercialisation of Warwick academic innovation and our .
Kevin Marks, the current Director of Warwick Innovations, will be transferring to a part-time role as Director of Regional Research Commercialisation. Kevin will be supporting our region in translating its world-class research by delivering the highly-acclaimed Midlands ICURe programme, together with the building of the newly-announced regional investment fund Midlands Mindforge.
Tim has over 30 years of experience in technology commercialisation, particularly from university environments and in the life sciences. He joins Warwick from Oxentia Ltd, where he worked as Development Director, leading the design of a diverse range of innovation management programmes for both the public and private sector all over the world.
Tim is committed to ensuring we maximise socio-economic impact from public-funded research, and has gained decades of experience working within university settings. His role at Warwick will see him leading technology transfer from idea to impact, so that researchers are supported to share ideas and innovations that will benefit our economy and society 鈥� enhancing the University鈥檚 reputation for research and knowledge exchange.
Commenting on the changes, Chief Innovation Officer David Plumb said:
鈥淜evin has been an incredible leader for innovation at Warwick, taking the University to number 1 in the region for spin outs. We are therefore delighted that Kevin will be staying in his new part time role as we welcome Tim to Warwick. Tim brings a wealth of experience in the commercialisation of new technology, from the perspective of universities, spin-outs, investors and partners.
鈥淭hese changes are part of an exciting package of measures for growing the impact of our innovation. To support our ambitions, we are also growing the Warwick Innovations team, dedicating legal support to tech transfer, redesigning our website and rolling out more sessions to support researchers. With lots more to do, and Midlands Mindforge coming on-stream later this year, we have a strengthening eco system available to academics, founders, spin-outs and spin-ins.鈥�
Tim added:
鈥淭his is a very exciting time to be joining Warwick. The University has such an ambitious, can-do attitude, and I鈥檓 looking forward to having the opportunity to support its academic community with the increasingly diverse range of knowledge exchange and commercialisation work possible here.
鈥淚 hope to bring my experience, networks and energy to contribute to the local, regional and international impacts from innovation that Warwick will continue to deliver. I鈥檓 excited to work with so many great intellectual and entrepreneurial minds across this community.鈥�