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Excellence in entrepreneurship

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A transformative wider student experience

At Durham our students receive a challenging, enabling and research-led education, alongside a transformative wider student experience.

Students develop skills and abilities that go beyond what is learnt on degree courses. With opportunities to explore how they can benefit society, our students are encouraged to build on their unique strengths to thrive in a rapidly changing world. We're proud of how Durham students and graduates push the boundaries in entrepreneurship and innovation around the world.
Find out how
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University student
At Durham we attract the greatest minds and most talented students, irrespective of nationality, culture and background; the benefits of our impressive wider student experience are reflected in the achievements of our students. We inspire our students and graduates to think like a leader, spark new ideas and deliver global impact.
Professor Karen O’Brien
Vice-Chancellor and Warden

Sparking new ideas

We encourage our students to seize development opportunities in all aspects of their Durham journey.

Attributes we wish to nurture within our student body are woven through our wider student experience, academic programmes, College activities and Careers & Employability Centre. There are a range of enterprise-related schemes, societies, competitions and more that students can get involved in to develop themselves and take steps on their pathway to achieving outstanding things. 

How our students get involved

Skills for the future

The start of this academic year has seen a flurry of activity from students, our Careers & Enterprise team, and external recognition from accredited ranking bodies.

We're proud to have been shortlisted for 'University of the Year for Graduate Employment' by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025; and our careers weeks programme this term has engaged with almost 4,000 students across a range of industries.

Explore more entrepreneurship news
Three students chatting with Durham Cathedral in the background
League table success
Young man in a business suit stands in front of a digital screen. The screen shows a collage of images and the words
Careers weeks

Read the latest from our wider community

School SME masterclass session supports local innovation and growth

A two-day masterclass aimed at small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the North East of England was recently held in Newcastle. The event, offered as part of our Smart and Scale programme, was aimed at helping to drive economic development across the region.

Business School news
Group of photographs from the SME masterclass event in Newcastle

Venture Lab team celebrates five years of nurturing innovation

The Venture Lab team are a group of staff dedicated to helping students create new ideas and launch new ventures. With their mission to make the world a better place, 140 startups have emerged in the last five years, with £18 million collectively raised in external funding.
Support Services
Co-founders, CEOs and Project Leads of Alora, The Corporate Law Journal, Local Energy Systems and Taka Taka Zero

Durham University recognised for spin-out best practice by Research England

Following an independent review of university spin-out companies, Research England has today (24 September) published its spin-out best practice and initial adoption list.
Research news
Vice-Chancellor Karen O'Brien is pictured centre with bookcase in background
More entrepreneurship news

Inspiring the extraordinary

Our global alumni community continue to inspire our students, leading by example and supporting those who are just starting on their entrepreneurship journey.

Our Hazan Venture Lab and dedicated support team nurture innovation and help to launch new ventures around the world. Some 140 startups have emerged in the last five years, with £18 million collectively raised in external funding. Our students and graduates can benefit from a wide range of services, including receiving startup coaching, attending workshops and events, entering competitions for funding opportunities, and joining alumni entrepreneurship networks.

Find out more

£18m external funding raised by our startups
160 jobs created by our startups
£3m combined annual turnover of our startups
3,374 students supported to explore innovation and entrepreneurship

Real-world impact

Meet some of our entrepreneurial alumni who have created innovative startups that are already positively impacting the world. Between them they have reached great heights, including being named as a finalist in Prince William's international Earthshot Prize, and featuring in the prestigious Forbes' 30 under 30 list.

Explore more alumni success stories
Headshot of Saffron Gilbert-Kaluba
The Corporate Law Journal
Beth and Leo of Local Energy Systems
Local Energy Systems
Rebecca Daniel in graduation robes
The Marine Diaries
Daisy Hill wearing a branded Zzish tshirt
Zzish
Durham Alumnus Yuk Chi Chan
Charter
Naomi Green wearing a Learning by Heart tshirt
Learning by Heart
Natasha Boulding - Photo
Low Carbon Materials
National Volunteers
The Giveback Uplift Society
University student
Durham University gave us the launchpad to advance to the next stage and propel our growth. Now, we are a multi-million dollar company at the frontier of science with a network that spans the globe.
Luke Young and Rory Hornby
Co-founders of Alora

Reaching new heights

Watch videos with our alumni entrepreneurs

Play video 1

Low Carbon Materials (formerly Sphera) - Natasha Boulding, Scott Bush and Phil Buckley

Low Carbon Materials develops next-generation construction material alternatives designed to reduce carbon emissions. The company has earned an array of awards and nominations, including as a finalist in the Earthshot Prize in 2022.

Explore more alumni success stories
Explore more alumni success stories

Nurturing curious minds

Our staff members include entrepreneurial leaders who are active in their fields. Academics work at the cutting-edge of entrepreneurship thought leadership and research, sharing insights from industry experience through academic programmes and mentorship. Professional service teams offer practical advice, connections, and more to help students unleash their potential.

They are all passionate about supporting our students to learn and grow from their entrepreneurial experiences.

3,374 students supported to explore innovation and entrepreneurship
140 startups have emerged since the Venture Lab team formed five years ago

Meet our staff

Academic staff

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How our staff get involved

  • Professors in Practice

    Professors in Practice are experienced professionals across a wide variety of disciplines and sectors, who share their skills and knowledge directly with students, bringing public distinction and practical insights to the classroom.

    A smartly dressed woman with a microphone talking and making hand gestures looking at a man in a suit sitting next to her

  • Impact magazine - entrepreneurship and innovation research articles

    IMPACT is our Business School's thought leadership magazine, showcasing the impact we have throughout our communities and the business world. It encompasses research on entrepreneurship and innovation, such as exploring the relationship between entrepreneurship and mental health.

    IMPACT magazine logo 300x300

Professors in Practice

Professors in Practice are experienced professionals across a wide variety of disciplines and sectors, who share their skills and knowledge directly with students, bringing public distinction and practical insights to the classroom.

A smartly dressed woman with a microphone talking and making hand gestures looking at a man in a suit sitting next to her

Impact magazine - entrepreneurship and innovation research articles

IMPACT is our Business School's thought leadership magazine, showcasing the impact we have throughout our communities and the business world. It encompasses research on entrepreneurship and innovation, such as exploring the relationship between entrepreneurship and mental health.

IMPACT magazine logo 300x300
University student
Right from day one, when students come into the university, we are careful to try and ensure that they understand that entrepreneurship is a state of mind as much as a set of activities, and that it's something that is accessible whoever you are. We try very hard to ensure that we expose students to the world of entrepreneurship, not just through their modules, but through master classes, workshops, guest speakers, factory visits, you name it.
Professor Joanna Berry
Associate Dean, External Engagement (Business School)