Tech Nation founder launches spin-off scheme

Tech Nation founder Gerard Grech has revealed that he will be launching a spin-off scheme for startups and insurtechs.

Grech said he would partnering with the University of Cambridge to launch the offering, which he feels will help bolster the way technology firms operate in the market.

In a LinkedIn post earlier this week (10 October 2023), Grech said: ”I’m joining the University of Cambridge to shape and build a new strategic offering called Founders at the University of Cambridge.

”It will create the conditions for deep tech inventors and startups to succeed. I’m excited and a little terrified!”

‘Time to shine’

This came after Tech Nation confirmed the sale of its brand to the Founders Forum Group earlier this year (25 April 2023) after losing government funding.

The technology trade organisation invited expressions of interest from organisations over acquiring the business in January 2023, with the government’s digital growth grant being withdrawn and awarded to Barclays.

Grech said he wanted his new venture to bridge the gap between academia and the market.

”I truly believe the next wave of tech value creation for the UK will come from its universities,” he added.

”But are they fit for this purpose? The gap between academia and the market needs to be bridged. That’s our mission.

”Recently, institutions like Stanford University in the Bay Area and MIT in Boston have rocked the innovation scene and it’s time for the UK to shine.”