The University of Leeds is driving change through research and teaching – and the Discover programme will be a key part of that.
Discover will be available to all students, offering them the opportunity to participate in different challenges and networking events. It aims to aid with the development of ideas and solutions across different disciplines. We caught up with Associate Professor of Enterprise at Leeds University Business School, Dr Richard Tunstall, to find out more.
Credit: University of Leeds
The Discover programme was developed in response to the incredible talents of University of Leeds students, demonstrated not only through their studies but their wider skills and passions. Inspired by the best programmes across the world, including those from Europe to the USA, the programme was founded to help them bring their entrepreneurial and creative ideas to fruition, encompassing everything from 3D printing and AI to local theatre and jewellery design.
“The University of Leeds strategy is rooted in a desire to make a difference in the world,” said Dr Tunstall. “Discover will be a tangible way of turning this into a reality for our students, regardless of their subject of study, to meet like-minded people and develop some of the solutions that will create real change and opportunity for our city, our economy and our society.”
He added: “The University of Leeds is full of entrepreneurially-minded and creative-thinking students, but sometimes, they don’t know who else they can work with or where to get support. Discover will provide this to all students at the University, developing an entrepreneurial can-do culture on campus and allowing them to turn their ideas into real impact.”
Credit: University of Leeds
The Discover programme launched last year with the first business simulations. In 2025, they aim to build on this with more collaboration, innovation and creation opportunities. These come in the form of challenge-based events that will see students forming teams to develop solutions.
In addition to this, the University will also seek to build upon their relationship with MIT to develop the Leeds Sandpit Innovation programme. This proposed programme will provide a safe environment where students can try, fail and learn. With the support of industry mentors, this will allow them to develop the spark of an idea and take it through into a real start-up or business project.
Currently, the programme already boasts some impressive facilities for students and alumni to take advantage of, such as HELIX. This cutting-edge learning hub features event spaces, bookable meeting areas and access to a range of creative and digital tools, from production studios to sewing machines and augmented reality technology. And of course, that’s not forgetting that all-important free coffee to help fuel busy minds.
Credit: University of Leeds
Supported by expert staff, this space means students can build relationships, collaborate and prototype ideas. It’s a crucial part of the Discover programme. “This is the entry point into a pipeline of support that can take a student from being in a new student team developing an initial idea in Discover, through to launching their own growing business,” Dr Tunstall told us. But he noted that they can’t do this alone.
“To develop our proposals means we are seeking to work with companies, entrepreneurs and Leeds’ wider ecosystem to develop the opportunities and support for our students that we’ll need to deliver these programmes,” he said. “In return, we’ll develop an entrepreneurial ecosystem amongst Leeds students that will create a pipeline of innovative talent and creative solutions that Leeds needs to tackle the challenges in our industries, economy and society. “
Feature image credit: University of Leeds
