WHAT WE DO...
The EdenTay Founders Community is all about creating a vibrant network of entrepreneurs. We understand that the entrepreneurial path can sometimes be a solitary one, and the lack of a support system can hinder the growth of brilliant ideas. That's where our community steps in, bringing people together to foster innovation, share experiences, and provide valuable support to prospective entrepreneurs and founders.
THE PARTNER INSTITUTIONS...
Abertay University
Situated in the heart of Dundee, Abertay can trace its roots back to the late nineteenth century. Amongst other accolades, Abertay is renowned for its excellence in computing and technology degrees. It was the first university in the world to offer a computer games degree in 1997 and the first to introduce a course in ethical hacking in 2006. Bell Street Ventures serves as Abertay's entrepreneurship centre.
University of Dundee
The University of Dundee is a staple of the city and has been recognised as a university since 1967. The University is a leader in the UK for its Life Science and Medical research and teaching. Embodying the history and spirit of the UK's only UNESCO city of design, the University's Duncan of Jordanstone College is another huge asset. The Centre for Entrepreneurship is an innovative workspace used to promote entrepreneurship across Tayside.
University of
St Andrews
Founded in 1413, the University of St Andrews is the third-oldest university in the English-speaking world. The University is ranked as the UK's best university according to the Times Good University Guide 2024. In term time, one-third of the population of St Andrews is made up of the University's staff and students. The innovative, new Eden Campus hosts the University's Entrepreneurship Centre.
MEET THE TEAM...
Brian McNicoll
UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE
Starting out as a pioneering mobile game entrepreneur with an academic background in computing and design, Brian is now the Head of Entrepreneurship at the University of Dundee. He oversaw the building of the Centre for Entrepreneurship in 2017, an innovative workspace fostering entrepreneurial talent from across the Tayside area.
Simon fraser
ABERTAY UNIVERSITY
Simon has been the Enterprise Officer at Abertay University since 2019 and has played a key role in the development of the Bell Street Ventures facility which identifies, nurtures, and promotes enterprise within the university. Prior to Abertay, Simon worked with Elevator UK for more than seven years, helping people from all walks of life to start and grow their companies
CASSIDY SORRIE
UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS
As Marketing and Events Manager for the University of St Andrews' Entrepreneurship Centre, Cassidy works to spark the entrepreneurial spirit and potential of University members. Through events and campaigns, she connects organisations with members and supports the development of commercialisation. Cassidy is passionate about people, nurturing talent and making sure everyone has a first-class experience.
KEITH Millican
UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS
Keith is Director of Enterprise, nurturing individuals and teams to transform early-stage ideas into sustainable companies. A proponent for the start-up culture within the University, Keith has 35 years of financial and operating expertise, covering corporate finance, acquisitions, divestments, turnarounds and start-ups across industries. Keith is a Chartered Accountant, Chartered Director, and Fellow of the Institute of Directors. He also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship from Cambridge University’s Judge Business School.
FAQs
WHERE IS EDENTAY BASED?
EdenTay is a collaboration between 3 Universities so events may be hosted in a number of locations. You can't go wrong by checking out the University of Dundee's Centre for Entrepreneurship, Abertay's Bell Street Ventures, or St Andrews Entrepreneurship Centre. Events will be rotated between the three venues on a bi-monthly basis.
WHAT QUALIFIES ME TO BE INVOLVED?
EdenTay encourages collaboration and networking with a growing community. When signing up for events, we ask for more information on which university you affiliate with and in what capacity. This could be as a student, staff member, alumni, or collaborator.
Can my business/organisation be involved?
Yes! We would love to see you at our events. It is a great opportunity to engage with the community. If there is something specific you would like to enquire about, get in touch with the team through the contact page.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
Sign up and come along to our events. Often our events will include valuable talks or workshops with interesting people but they are always designed to give you time to meet new people, meet our support network and tell us what, or who, you're looking to find.
HOW CAN I SHAPE FUTURE EVENTS?
We always want to hear your feedback and put on events that will be useful to the community. At the in-person events, you may well be asked to share your thoughts through a survey. You can also reach out to us on social media or through the contact page on this website.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
It's free to get involved! The project is the result of three universities looking to foster and promote the entrepreneurial spirit of the region. We don't want price to be a barrier to our goal.
