The University of Bristol’s catalyst for innovation has appointed Rosie Bennett as its new innovation lead to grow its programmes for business members.
Bristol Innovations was created two years ago to offer innovation-led businesses access to cutting-edge research, technology and talent, creating breakthrough solutions and scalable commercial opportunities that drive growth. 
Rosie’s brief is across its portfolio of incubators, innovation hubs and network – SETsquared Bristol, Engine Shed, the Quantum Technologies Innovation Centre, Quantum Frontier and the university’s joint venture with Bristol specialist incubator Science Creates.
Rosie, pictured, will also support founders and their teams to tap into the right resources at the university and within government and industry – from raising investment to collaborative research and development.
Rosie was previously innovation centre director at SETsquared Bath between 2017 and 2019 and then spent three years as investment manager at SETsquared Partnership, which includes the universities of Bath, Southampton, Cardiff, Exeter and Surrey as well as Bristol. 
She is also a non-executive director of EarSwitch, a Bristol start-up developing wearable in-ear devices to help people with disabilities communicate, and an adviser to Bristol biotech firm Kelpi, which is developing innovative bioplastic food packaging from seaweed.
Rosie said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Bristol Innovations at a time when there is huge scope to further develop its renowned business support capabilities.
“Through the combined might of the incubator programmes, alliances and initiatives across Bristol’s pro-entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem, we can deliver meaningful impact, excel at our growth mission, and help to create the future businesses of tomorrow.”
Bristol Innovations director Simon Bond added: “I’m delighted that Rosie is bringing her expertise in innovation, funding and strategy to grow our programmes which operate from the heart of the university’s new and rapidly emerging Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus.”
