(S9/E5) Northern Gritstone: Balancing Profit with Purpose

Research Culture Uncovered

In our fortnightly Research Culture Uncovered conversations we are asking what is Research Culture and why does it matter?

In this episode, host Ged Hall dives into the fascinating world of academic innovation and investment with special guests Duncan Johnson, CEO of Northern Gritstone, and Andy Duley, Director of Commercialisation at the University of Leeds.

Discover how Northern Gritstone, its founding universities (Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester) and shareholders are working towards creating a "Silicon Valley of the North" through delivering on its strapline ‘Profit with Purpose’.

🔑 Key takeaways:

1. Creating science or technology spin-outs through academic inventions is not ‘just’ about the science or technology; it's about validated value propositions, teams and a support ‘infrastructure’

2. Developing a successful ecosystem for spin-out companies requires collaboration among universities, investors, and other stakeholders, as well as a focus on talent development and early successes.

3. Programs like NG Studios play a vital role in accelerating the development of academic founders and preparing early-stage businesses for success in the market.

Links and initiatives mentioned in the episode:

• Connecting Capabilities Fund
• Duncan mentioned the Otley Road – this is a road that runs north away from the University of Leeds through Headingley. Many of the university’s students live in this area and it has a wide range of pubs and nightlife.
• Beauhurst - source, extract and package data from thousands of locations to create the ultimate private UK company database.
• Nexus - A vibrant community for innovators and entrepreneurs.
• Leeds Innovation Arc - The Arc is a series of innovation neighbourhoods, formed around the natural anchors of our main universities, the proposed adult and children’s hospitals, and major private sector partners.
• Deputy Prime Minister Geoffrey Howe’s resignation speech – analysed in this Guardian article
• Deep Tech Labs
• David Brailsford – marginal gains.

You can find out more about Northern Gritstone via its website and LinkedIn page:

• www.northern-gritstone.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/northern-gritstone

All of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists:

• Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on Twitter and LinkedIn)
• Open Research with Nick Sheppard (follow Nick on Twitter and LinkedIn)
• Research Careers with Ruth Winden (follow Ruth on Twitter and LinkedIn)
• Research talent management with Tony Bromley (follow Tony on Twitter and LinkedIn)
• Meet the Research Culturositists with Emma Spary (follow Emma on Twitter and LinkedIn)
• Research co-production

Follow us on twitter: @ResDevLeeds (new episodes are announced here), @OpenResLeeds, @ResCultureLeeds

Connect to us on LinkedIn: @ResearchUncoveredPodcast (new episodes are announced here)

Leeds Research Culture links:

• Researcher Development and Culture Website
• Our Concordat Implemention plans and progress
• University of Leeds Research Culture Statement
• University of Leeds Responsible Metrics Statement
• University of Leeds Open Research Statement
• University of Leeds Research Culture Strategy - launched September 2023

If you would like to contribute to a podcast episode get in touch: [e-mail]