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Heriot-Watt has appointed a Head of Commercialisation to transform academic research into business and entrepreneurship.
Paul Devlin brings a wealth of experience to the newly appointed role, from both innovative technical and commercial backgrounds.
In the past 20 years, Paul's career has progressed from patent-holding software researcher and company founder to R&D programme manager and investor.
The 45-year-old has helped high-growth start-ups to commercialise disruptive technology, resulting in acquisitions from global corporations including Facebook.
Most recently, Paul established the Scottish investment office for Mercia Fund Managers Ltd and headed up student entrepreneurship at the University of Edinburgh, as Company Formation Manager.
Translating academic research into University spin-out companies, supporting students to commercialise creative ideas and forming industry partnerships are key drivers for Heriot-Watt to excel in business and enterprise.
Paul commented: “The quality of applied research at Heriot-Watt and the global outlook was a real attraction to the University. I'm excited about working closely with leading academic researchers and helping enable tomorrow's entrepreneurs to commercialise innovation”.
The father of two is an avid triathlete in his spare time and enjoys running to explore the Edinburgh campus.
Paul continued: “The facilities at Heriot-Watt University are second to none. GRID at Heriot-Watt is a stunning facility and I'm looking forward to using its collaborative space to help nurture business ideas and foster strategic partnerships”.
Paul will join the University's enterprise team based in the GRID at Heriot-Watt. The £19m facility, which stands for global research, innovation and discovery establishes an ecosystem where students, academics and businesses can work together to commercialise solutions which solve global challenges.
“I'm delighted to welcome Paul to the enterprise team. Paul's expertise will enhance our existing commercialisation programmes and help develop the abundance of entrepreneurial talent we have at Heriot-Watt”.