Russell Dalgleish has been appointed by the University of Glasgow to help bridge the gap between academia and commercialisation.

Mr Dalgleish, chair of the Scottish Business Network and a board member of the UK Government’s Department for International Trade Global Entrepreneur Programme, becomes Entrepreneur in Residence at the Advanced Research Centre (ARC) – a hub for interdisciplinary research and innovation.

The voluntary role, which he takes up this month, will support the development of a thriving entrepreneurial culture within the ARC, by linking academic research with commercial expertise, and enable the University of Glasgow’s commercialisation efforts.

Entrepreneur in Residence programmes can bring practical business experience and insights to universities, to help realise the commercial potential of academic research and innovation. The role is designed to help researchers, students, and startups develop their innovations, turning ideas into successful business ventures

Uzma Khan, Vice-Principal for Economic Development and Innovation at the university, said: “The university has ambitious plans to unlock the potential of our world-leading research capability into cutting-edge innovation and commercialisation opportunities. We are investing to support a thriving culture of entrepreneurialism across the institution. 

“The appointment of Russell Dalgleish to this role will allow us to benefit from his vast experience and to bring his invaluable insights and global connections to our doorstep. ”

Mr Dalgleish is the founding managing partner of Exolta Capital Partners and chair of CivTech’s advisory board. He is also the founding director of Net Zero Nation, a non-profit organisation addressing carbon footprint reduction for SMEs.

He said: “It is an honour to join the University of Glasgow’s Advanced Research Centre as Entrepreneur in Residence.

“Universities are at the forefront of innovation, and I am excited to help bridge the gap between academia and the commercial world. I look forward to working with the talented researchers and students at ARC to help turn their ideas into impactful ventures of global significance.”