The UK ’ s first sports business incubator launched
88 %
The reduction in risk of drowning offered by formal swimming lessons for toddlers ( ages 1-4 )
RooM the Agency Mobile / Alamy Stock Photo
Stirling gets sporty
The UK ’ s first sports business incubator launched
Scotland , and indeed the UK ’ s , first sports business incubator was officially launched at Stirling University Innovation Park on Thursday 2 February . The Sport Hive is an innovative hub where entrepreneurs , students and businesses come together to develop ideas that enhance the world of sport .
Sharing a campus with Scotland ’ s University for Sporting Excellence , the Sport Hive builds on the University of Stirling ’ s reputation for sporting expertise and innovation . The Sports Hive is the latest venture by the Sporting Chance Initiative , set up in 2010 to identify and support Scotland ’ s sports entrepreneurs . Since its inception , the project has helped over 700 Scottish companies realise their potential .
Programme Manager , Ryan Carenduff said : “ We know from our national entrepreneurship programme , The Sports
Innovation Challenge , that the next generation of Scottish sports entrepreneurs are brimming with innovative ideas for sports products , services and technologies . The Sport Hive will help us nurture and support these entrepreneurs and other start-ups through mentoring , investment and our international links to other sports incubators in France , the Netherlands , the United States of America , Canada and Australia .”
HOME TO TURTLE PACK The business incubator is home to the next generation of sports business talent including Michael Harkins , Scotland ' s first ' Sports Entrepreneur in Residence '.
Michael , who teaches at a top Scottish swim school , is developing a multi-award winning children ’ s floatation aid , Turtle Pack , which promotes the correct body position for learning to swim .
Michael said : “ Winning the Sports Innovation Challenge back in 2015 for Turtle Pack boosted my confidence and belief in my product , and my selfconfidence as a young sports entrepreneur . The recognition and funding provided gave me the momentum and desire to kick-start the Turtle Pack journey . It ’ s a great honour to be part of The Sport Hive and I ’ m looking forward to sharing my knowledge and experience with the other start-ups .”
Michael is joined in the Sport Hive by five fellow sports entrepreneurs , ‘ Incubees ’, who receive business mentoring from industry experts to help grow their businesses . Ideas in development include a body protector for equestrian sport , a hydration product that converts water into an isotonic drink , a performance-enhancing sports sock , motion-capture ‘ smart ’ training apparel , and an all-natural energy drink . ■
Read online at : ukspa . org . uk / breakthrough spring 2017 | UKSPA breakthrough | 65