The Edge Hub, Hull’s emerging innovation and digital upskilling venture, has made several senior appointments to form its advisory board, while entering into a global partnership for tech export.
Set to launch this spring, from the team behind Tech Week Humber, the purpose-built hybrid environment will focus on filling the demand for digital skills across the region and offer more than 20,000 programmes spanning Google, Microsoft, IBM and other platforms It aims to remove barriers to local businesses that wish to share their digital skills globally.
Antonio Tombanane and Shaun Larvin, co-founders of The Edge, said: “Entrepreneurship and collaboration are at the heart of our vision. We’ve created a unique place for innovation and skills growth, and our new appointments and board of advisors and partnerships will strengthen the service we offer to businesses and open doors globally.”
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Kingston House, the Myton Street premises it will occupy, has been overhauled since the deal for the site was done in November 2021, with almost 10,000 sq ft of space. A total of 10 jobs are expected to be created.
Business growth is at the core, with an additional focus on accelerating innovation by creating an environment rich in knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and innovation, with a combination of academic and SMEs, local government and entrepreneurs.
Joining the advisory board to help make it happen are global investment specialist Stefan Boeke, technology sales and leadership figure Mark Evans-Smith and founder, advisor and investor James Bernard. They are joined by John Moore, ex-BUPA, and Martin Coupland, a chief technology advisor who has worked with global names such as Virgin Atlantic.
Mr Tombanane said Stefan brings multiple family office leadership roles and specialises in start-up and AI technology. He will bring expert advice and guidance on investment areas, having managed projects worth $500 million.
Mark, who after a successful career in technology sales, management, and senior leadership roles - which included his first IPO - led the innovation and venturing arm of Rolls Royce, followed by a senior position with GSK. He will bring extensive experience in technology at a global level.
James adds more than 20 years of experience across global industries with an impressive track record in building start-up ecosystems, incubators, and accelerators. He is the founder, advisor and investor in more than 16 companies across various sectors across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, He is a non-executive board member for several global companies.
The appointments were announced as a memorandum of understanding was signed between Edge and global organisation Logis, driven by Italian billionaire entrepreneur Sandro Salsano. The collaboration will focus on the sharing of skills and innovation, opening doors for Hull businesses to trade with Central America.
Mr Salsano said: “Logis breaks down barriers to the sharing of technology skills and innovation on a global level. We are excited to work with the city of Hull and its businesses on bringing their innovation to Central America.”
Ahead of the launch, businesses have been invited to express early interest in involvement.
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