About us

University of Birmingham Enterprise provides an end-to-end service for academic innovators, including practical and financial support for proof of concept studies and market research, training for academics, incubation services and facilities for hitech and biomedical startups.

University of Birmingham Enterprise Ltd is the new name of Alta Innovations Ltd, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Birmingham.

Our people

CEO, University of Birmingham Enterprise Ltd

Dr James Wilkie

James joined the University of Birmingham in 2007 after 20 years in Europe and the US delivering research, innovation and corporate venture investment within large multinational companies. As well as being CEO of University of Birmingham Enterprise Ltd, he currently holds a number of Non-Executive Directorships and Advisory Board positions in a number of high-growth companies and early stage investment funds. In addition to his doctorate, he is a Chartered Engineer with an MBA.

Head of Intellectual Property Services

Dr Jonathan Watkins

Formerly a research chemist and new product development manager, Jonathan has worked for the University of Birmingham since 2002. In addition to identifying, developing and commercialising IP, Jonathan is also highly experienced in licensing out technology, setting up spin-out and start-up companies and arranging other types of commercial contracts.

Head of Enterprise Acceleration

David Coleman

David is responsible for developing new spinout companies, and managing the relationship with existing spinout companies, including access to funding and management. With prior experience in technology transfer at Imperial Innovations and the University of Bath, and David joined the University of Birmingham in 2010.

Head of Academic Consultancy

Simon Freeman

Simon is responsible for organising and managing the consultancy commitments of the University’s academic members of staff via the University Consultancy Service. Simon also manages the operating divisions on behalf of academic members of staff and is the principal contact for negotiation of commercial development agreements with industry. Simon joined the University of Birmingham in 1999.

Birmingham Research Park Manager

Angie Reynolds

Angie has over 20 years of property experience, and has managed a number of landmark buildings in the Birmingham area. She joined the Birmingham Research Park in 2015.

Reputation & Communications Development Manager

Ruth Ashton

Ruth is a communications, media relations and content specialist with over 20 years’ experience in science, technology, environmental, and pharmaceutical communications. She joined the University of Birmingham in 2016.