Creating a real world of opportunity through a virtual trading estate

1. Creating a real world of opportunity through a virtual trading estate Dr Simon Brown Director for Enterprise Teaching and Learning

2. Welcome to the Venture Matrix

3. What is the Venture Matrix? The venture matrix is an interactive 'trading estate' of virtual and real companies.

4. What is it? • http://venturematrix.shu.ac.uk • “Let your obsession become your profession”

5. Our Mission is to: • support learning through experience. • develop autonomous and highly employable graduates equipped for the career of their choice. • provide a framework for innovation and the development of creative ideas and opportunities which are socially and commercially diverse. • increase the numbers of successful graduate start-ups, particularly in the region.

6. Virtual companies are formed within courses to allow students to: • try out creative ideas of enterprise and entrepreneurship in a safe environment. • have a realistic work related experience suited to their study. • access the diversity of learning and skill of other Venture Matrix companies. • enhance communication skills and cooperation by working with others towards common goals. • understand their potential through self appraisal and evaluation. • communicate and work with external companies as the Venture Matrix expands. • benefit by the value generated in their trading experience.

7. Trade Show 5th Nov 07

9. Achieved within Pilot year 07/08 • The VM pilot engaged students (approx 500) from all 4 faculties operating within an emerging structure. Being determined and built by the students. • Foundation degree students – computing • UG students – 1st, 2nd and final year – Business, Technology, Media, Communications, Computing, Sport, Law and Engineering

10. Now listen to.. • Three students who rose to the challenge of managing a number of complex projects