Our partnership with SETsquared

SETsquared is a unique enterprise partnership and a dynamic collaboration between six leading, research-intensive universities across the South of England and Wales with the aim of fuelling innovation and entrepreneurship. The universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter, Southampton and Surrey act as specialist incubator centres where scientific discoveries can thrive and be translated into real-world impact.

For those that require labs and tools, the BLUE GARAGE has a photoshoot studio, general assembly area, wood and metal work space, as well as a BLUE FACTORY that can assist with print, fabrication, paint and packaging. They also have flexible working spaces for people who need to collaborate and put their ideas together, with options for fixed desks, private studios, and event spaces, catering to all.

The fastest-growing research partnership in the UK, SETsquared helps deep tech ventures start up and scale by connecting founders with sector-specific knowledge, facilities, networks and investors. To date, more than 5,000 entrepreneurs have been supported by SETsquared, supported companies have raised £5bn in investment and 15,600 jobs have been created in the process. Its expertise spans the frontier sectors identified in the Modern Industrial Strategy, including health and life sciences, digital and technologies, and advanced manufacturing. By encouraging commercialisation, SETsquared is strengthening and diversifying the UK’s innovation ecosystem and investment base, while contributing to wider economic growth.

SETsquared offers a range of programmes for researchers and founders at every stage, from testing out the potential of your research and starting a business to growing your company. The GW-SHIFT programme is specifically targeted at founders, public sector teams and businesses developing within the hydrogen ecosystem, enabling them to form strategic partnerships and access expert guidance.

Investment Futures is SETsquared’s investment programme, giving investors the opportunity to engage directly with carefully selected, investment-ready start–ups operating in deep tech and advanced innovation sectors.

As a firm committed to innovation and entrepreneurship, we strongly believe in the mission of the BLUE GARAGE in empowering early-stage businesses and look forward to continuing our partnership.

Mathys & Squire is dedicated to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship by advising businesses on their intellectual property strategy. Partners Andrew White, Philippa Griffin and Posy Drywood are sponsoring the Investment Futures 2026 showcase. They will also be supporting the GW-SHIFT programme by offering their in-depth expertise on intellectual property protection.