Innovation hub SETsquared’s ranking as the top university business incubator in Europe and second best in the world has been welcomed by Bath & North East Somerset Council leader Paul Crossley.
As reported on Bath Business News last week, the centre achieved international recognition in the University Business Incubator (UBI) Index, which benchmarks incubators run by the world’s leading universities.
Gaining such an accolade helped put Bath on the global innovation map and underpinned work by the council to boost the city’s creative and tech industries, said Cllr Crossley, pictured. 
SETsquared, which specialises in accelerating technology businesses, is part-run by the University of Bath along with Bristol, Exeter, Surrey and Southampton universities. Its Bath base at Carpenter House in Bath city centre has helped build scores of businesses since opening 11 years ago.
Cllr Crossley said: “This is great news for our area and is proof of the fantastic work being done by the University of Bath in our city.
“The council is seeking to develop further its partnership with the university to increase innovation and design in Bath including a joint bid to the Local Enterprise Partnership to expand the innovation offer in Bath’s Enterprise Area.
“But in addition to working with the university we have also developed The Guild Co-Working Hub in the Guildhall and we are developing a partnership with BMT to redevelop Bath Quays South. Creating jobs based on innovation, design and creativity is a major theme of our employment and jobs growth at the moment.”
SETsquared innovation director and director of Bath’s Innovation Centre, Simon Bond, said: “The recognition in this year’s UBI Index is an honour and validates our focus and commitment to entrepreneurs and the businesses that they create.
“The high ranking also comes with responsibility – the UBI Index highlights that Europe’s university business incubators have to work more effectively in order to compete on the world stage. SETsquared must now reach out to like-minded organisations to form partnerships and collaborations that add value for our entrepreneurs and client businesses.”
