Mike Herd

The University of Sussex has announced that Executive Director of the Sussex Innovation Centre, Mike Herd, has decided that he will leave the organisation in May.

Mike joined as the first Executive Director of the Centre in February 1997 and, under his leadership, it has developed from the early vision of the Sussex Academic Corridor to being a true exemplar of entrepreneurial support for new-technology businesses, academics commercialising research and student start-ups.

During his tenure, the Sussex Innovation Centre (SInC) has provided support for well over 1,000 early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs - from lone inventors, to high-tech start-ups, to drug discovery and medical device projects and academic research spin-outs. The success rates for businesses based at one of the Innovation Centres has been outstanding, with close to 80% of supported businesses moving from concept to sustainable profitability. Over £175 million in equity investment and grants has been raised. In addition, a new Innovation Centre was opened in Croydon in 2015.

The Sussex Innovation Centre became a part of the University of Sussex in 2008 and this led to Mike taking a lead in developing enterprise and entrepreneurship on campus, working closely with students and graduates and supporting academic research commercialisation. Mike has taken particular pleasure in the ongoing success of the Catalyst graduate intern scheme and the BRAIN Open Innovation programme.

Professor Stephen Shute, Chair of the Sussex Innovation Centre Board and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Planning and Resources) for the University of Sussex, said: “Over the years, Mike has created an environment which has allowed entrepreneurs to gain the confidence and support they have needed to get a better understanding of their business, their markets and themselves. He, and the Innovation Centre, have become a key part of the tech business ecosystem in Sussex, making a significant contribution to the economic development in the area.”

Mike Herd said: “It has been a real privilege to be the Executive Director of Sussex Innovation over the past two decades, and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with such a creative, talented and enthusiastic group of would-be entrepreneurs. I think the reason I stayed so long at Sussex Innovation has been the pleasure that I’ve derived from watching people change and develop their business.”

He added: “We have built a great team together here; however, I believe the time is now right for me to step aside and find a new business challenge for myself and to hand the baton over to new leadership. The Innovation Centre now has a dedicated team of over 35 staff members, including our great Catalyst team of graduate interns, and I am confident the Centre will continue to thrive and remain a key local and regional economic driver. As for me, who knows? On to a third career - and maybe I might even get to finish my second novel.”

Mike received early recognition by the local business community as ‘Sussex Business Man of the Year’ in 2000. He was also awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion in the New Year’s Honours in 2013.

A permanent replacement will be announced in due course.