Business model
The business model for the Sussex Innovation Centre is relatively simple:
Innovation Centre buildings have been provided through public sector investment and debt funding. The surplus generated from the rental income is invested into the provision of specialist business support for early stage technology companies.
Companies apply to join the Innovation Centre and are selected on the basis of their growth potential. The Centre is not sector specific.
Rent levels are set which, while reflecting the prime location and excellent facilities, offer the tenant companies an ideal, flexible and relatively inexpensive environment to grow their business.
The Innovation Centre supplements its income through undertaking economic development projects, support consultancy, success fees, equity stakes, sponsorship and running events. All activities are consistent with the core objectives of incubation, commercialisation and to act as a focus for new technology companies in Sussex.
The university gains through an increased focus on commercialisation and entrepreneurship, research links with new companies, higher profile within the local business community and a clear route for academic spinouts.
The local authorities receive their "Investment Return" through the impact on the local economy of the growth of the new technology companies.
The Innovation Centre does not currently distribute profits to shareholders , any surplus is reinvested in the support activities.
