Photo opportunity, 5.15pm, Thursday November 14, Springfield Incubator, 23 Springfield, Dundee.
Animation and Springfield probably brings Bart Simpson to mind, but all that could be about to change following the launch of a new business at the University of Dundee.
Ink., a new company formed by Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (DJCAD) graduate Gili Dolev and film producer Bob Last of Sell Out Pictures, is one of the first new ventures to take up residence in the Springfield Incubator which provides affordable office space and business development advice to help fledgling companies through their first crucial months of operation. Gili is the creative force behind "Promise Land" an animated feature put together with support from DJCAD and Scottish Screen and which has received much critical acclaim at film festivals this year. "Promise Land" had its Scottish premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in August.
Springfield Incubator is the brainchild of Professor Steve Partridge, DJCAD's Associate Dean of Research & Enterprise, who together with Tom Inns, head of the School of Design, put together a proposal for the venture, to obtain £50,000 of Scottish Enterprise funding support. The Springfield incubator has been set up by the college to offer flexible and affordable office space plus expert support and guidance to new entrepreneurs - postgraduates, undergraduates or members of University staff - who wish to start a business venture in the creative industries.
When fully occupied, the refurbished building at 23 Springfield, Dundee, will house six new business ventures. Already benefiting from the unit are Project Atlantis, a design research and consultancy unit, and Ink..
They are reaping the benefits of the close-at-hand support network, particularly from DJCAD's new business development manager John Gardner. Having previously worked for Scottish Enterprise Tayside, helping businesses in the creative industries sector, John provides advice to the occupants of the Springfield Incubator on all aspects of business development from funding to marketing.
He said, " An increasing number of potential spin-out opportunities are emerging from the University, reflecting the world class research being undertaken here. DJCAD has recognised this and is keen to develop this activity and support people who want to be entrepreneurial.
"We are not just offering property to let. Operating on University premises immediately gives more credibility to a new venture; other University staff can offer invaluable skills and advice, while new companies housed in the unit can tap into each others' energy and learn from each others' experiences. At the same time, the faculty, the University and the city as a whole will benefit since the unit will help to retain some of the best talent in the city instead of seeing it move away."
Bob Last of Ink. Said, "The Incubator is an invaluable facilitator for new businesses but the fact that it is looking at the intellectual property and talent that's coming out of the arts as opposed to science and technology is what makes it so far-sighted and unique."
The Incubator is being officially opened by Joyce Matthew of Scottish Enterprise Tayside and Professor Partridge tomorrow, November 14.
Contact John Gardner on 01382 348630
By Jane Smernicki, Press Officer 01382 344768 j.m.smernicki@dundee.ac.uk