About us

about-landing-2

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 hi tech 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 (Interim), University of Birmingham Enterprise Ltd

 

David Coleman

David Coleman

David has been with the organisation since 2010, most recently in the capacity of Head of Enterprise Acceleration (a position that Jerel Whittingham assumes while David is in this interim role). David has over 20 years' experience in university technology transfer and commercialisation, from licensing, start-up development and growth, to business incubation, and investment. He's also an experienced non-executive director (currently on the board of Irresistible Materials Ltd and Linear Diagnostics Ltd). 

Head of Intellectual Property Services

Dr Jonathan WatkinsDr 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 (Interim)

Jerel WhittinghamJerel Whittingham

Jerel has over 25 years’ experience with early stage, technology-based businesses in both investor and operational roles , building on prior innovation, strategy and business development functions. He is experienced with the University/business interface plus raising investment and in managing relationships with key stakeholders and professional advisers. He has served on the Boards of several companies including 2 PLCs.

Head of Academic Consultancy

Simon FreemanSimon 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.

Head of Birmingham Research Park

Angie ReynoldsAngie 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 AshtonRuth 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.

  

 

enterprisereport2