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EnterpriseOD™

Cutting-edge services and expertise from University researchers

The EnterpriseOD™ programme supports Birmingham academics to set up a commercial entity that operates like a limited company, but with the legal management, insurance and financial management carried out by University of Birmingham Enterprise.

  • Operating Divisions

    This innovative commercialisation programme allows researchers to set up an Operating Division (OD), and seek industry customers who receive rapid access to innovations, flexible services and academic expertise.

    ODs receive support from University of Birmingham Enterprise, which expedites back office activity and guidance from our Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, leaving academics free to execute and complete projects in a timely manner.

    This innovative commercialisation programme enables Birmingham academics to do what they do best: innovate.

Rapid, easy access to services and impact

  • The up-front work and investment to get an OD trading is far less than when establishing a new spin-out company, giving customers quick and flexible access to innovations and services.
  • Trading with an OD is easy. Customers get easy access to academic expertise.
  • Academics focus on finessing their ideas, finding customers and perfecting their service model without the distraction or risks of setting up their own company.
  • If an offer is not commercially successful, academics can 'pivot' quickly, or change their idea in their own time.
  • The commercial performance of an OD indicates whether a spin-out company could be created - and provides a trading history for investors.

Current Operating Divisions

  • BiMaTS

    Specialists in comprehensive materials testing for dental and biomaterial manufacturers

  • Biocell Energetics

    Supporting scientific innovation with cellular bioenergetics

  • Dexter

    A game-changing ‘Real World Evidence’ platform which delivers key clinical insights from large healthcare datasets in minutes

  • Early Action Compass

    A proactive tool and training to identify early years learning needs before gaps emerge

  • Empowering Coaching

    Delivers research-led workshops on empowering coaching strategies that increase participation and motivation in sport

  • EvoPhase

    Enhances the performance of process equipment, focusing on industrial-scale mixing, grinding, and coating

  • Lingsight

    A linguistics consulting firm serving industries that depend on language - from tech companies to service providers

  • Mindset Dynamics

    Helping organisations to develop a bespoke, people-centred approach to executing changes and stimulating social innovation

  • SERENE Space

    Space environment and weather research

  • Our OD case studies

    The OD model accommodates different types of ventures. Spin-out ODs prepare projects with a profitable model for company formation, Consult ODs unite active consultancies under cohesive branding, and SHAPE (Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts for People and the Economy) ODs focus on societal impact.

    Read our case studies

Operating Divisions in the news