This year, we placed Proof-of-Concept (PoC) funding at the centre of our work. In partnership with Knowledge Exchange UK, the Russell Group and University Alliance, we have highlighted the barriers facing university commercialisation and the importance of accessible PoC support for economic growth. Together, this coalition now represents more than 120 universities and leading technology transfer organisations. We celebrated this collaboration at our Pathway to Growth event and continued the conversation through a new cross-sector working group focused on two questions: how to bring in private investment earlier, and how to build sustainable PoC models. We aim to publish guidance in the summer and invite those with relevant experience to contribute.

We have also seen the long-term impact of the USIT Guides, now adopted by more than 60 universities. New analysis from the Royal Academy of Engineering and Beauhurst shows university equity stakes at an all-time low average of 16%, with a clear decline since the Guides’ launch. Their influence is extending internationally, including new recommendations published this year in Germany.

Looking ahead, we are concentrating on ecosystem development as we prepare our post-2027 funding proposal. We are speaking with universities, investors, funders and sector bodies to understand how TenU can best support the UK’s innovation landscape, whether through shared learning, convening expertise or strengthening capacity across the system. We welcome perspectives from organisations keen to shape this next phase.

The year ahead will also see the launch of the TenU FLP report. Designed to “pass on the baton”, it sets out a tested leadership model that has generated strong positive feedback, with learning outcomes consistently rated above 80%. With three cohorts now completed and one further in progress, the programme has brought together 47 emerging leaders from 19 organisations across five countries, creating a unique space for cross-border learning and peer connection. We look forward to working with interested institutions in the new year to help them adopt and scale this approach.

We would like to thank everyone who has worked with us this year: the members of our PoC coalition and working group; the domestic and international stakeholders who have generously shared their time and insights on ecosystem development; participants in our training programmes, including the TenU FLP, TenU OS and the mentors and mentees of TenU RISE; and the many contributors to our growing TenU Hosts event series. We are equally grateful to the UK government and to Research England for their continued support and engagement. It is through the efforts of all of these partners, actions both large and small, that TenU has been able to help lift the sector and accelerate the pathway from research to societal and economic impact.

If you are interested in contributing to any of the above strands, do not hesitate to get in touch here.