The Greenhouse effect

The University's recently opened business pre-incubator unit - known as 'The Greenhouse' - has recently welcomed its first two tenants and is already proving itself to be at the forefront of initiatives to foster small technology businesses in Scotland.

Tee Time Treasures and Leyson Innovation and Design are the first two companies to take up residence at the unit, which is based at the MicroCentre Building in the department of Applied Computing. Both companies will benefit from rent-free working space for up to six months as well as business support from University commercialisation experts.

Leyson Innovation and Design, the brainchild of two fourth year applied computing students Hannah Howson and Graeme Whaley, creates computers that match home and office interiors, corporate logos and other themes. Leyson also work in the field of web design with a focus on usability. Tee Time Treasures is a specialist digital photography business, created by 3rd year History undergraduate Steven Mcewan.

Companies that offer potential as viable business propositions at the end of the six-month period in the Greenhouse will have the opportunity to become University spin out or start up companies.

Commenting on the unit, John MacKenzie, Commercialisation Facilitator, said, "The Greenhouse is another piece of the commercialisation infrastructure jigsaw at the University, somewhere that students and staff can locate themselves and concentrate on building business propositions within a supportive environment and a ‘like minded’ community. It is another example of the University being an entrepreneurial place for staff and students. We are delighted to have launched such a facility and grateful to Scottish Enterprise Tayside for its financial contribution and overall support of the initiative."

The Greenhouse is administrated by one of two Scottish Institute for Enterprise funded interns, allowing close communication with the student population. The Young Entrepreneurs Society is also based within the Greenhouse and aims to engage students further. For further details on the Greenhouse and what it can offer you please contact Hannah Howson tel: 01382 348795, email: hhowson@computing.dundee.ac.uk