Queen Margaret University (QMU) Startup Studio, a vibrant new hub designed to accelerate entrepreneurship and support innovation across the University and the wider East Lothian community is open for business!
The Startup Studio brings together Business Gateway East Lothian, Bright Red Triangle, and QMU’s entrepreneurial services under one roof to create an accessible, collaborative space for new and aspiring business founders.
One of the aims of the Startup Studio is to offer free hotdesking space alongside expert guidance, and access to resources and funding for students, staff, graduates, local residents, and East Lothian’s wider business base. Any local business can make use of the Studio’s excellent location, high‑quality facilities, and rich collaboration opportunities. Open during the University’s core operational dates, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, the space provides a friendly, supportive environment where users can connect with fellow entrepreneurs and experienced business and social enterprise advisors.
The development of the Startup Studio has been supported through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund funded by UK Government. Its creation reflects QMU’s commitment to building a connected entrepreneurial culture across the University and the East Lothian region, building on its longstanding partnership with East Lothian Council and its commitment to deliver Community Wealth Building as a people‑centred, place‑based approach to enterprise.
The new facility builds on the legacy of QMU’s Business Innovation Zone (BIZ), which for more than 12 years provided a foundation for enterprise activity in conjunction with Business Gateway East Lothian. During this time, over 100 entrepreneurs, startups, sole traders, practitioners, and freelancers received business support, creating a strong and enduring community of innovators.
Now, the Startup Studio will expand and elevate these opportunities—offering workshops, mentoring, events, funding pathways and collaborative programmes to stimulate innovation and deliver meaningful entrepreneurial growth across the region.
Businesses interested in using the hotdesking space should contact the QMU Research and Knowledge Exchange Development Unit at [email protected]
Carolyn Low, Knowledge Exchange Manager at Queen Margaret University, said: “Universities play a vital role in nurturing the entrepreneurs of tomorrow, and we know the positive impact this has on our local and regional economy. The expansion of our entrepreneurial support services and the launch of the Startup Studio means that even more students, graduates, researchers, and local innovators can access expert guidance, facilities, and the training needed to turn ambitious ideas into viable ventures.
"The development of these enhanced facilities reflects the strength of our long‑standing collaboration with East Lothian Council and our university and college partnership, and reinforces our commitment to building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem rooted in community wealth building.”
Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Council Spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism, said: “This new Startup Studio is an exciting new step forward, building on the partnership work between budding entrepreneurs, the council’s Business Gateway service and QMU’s support network for businesses. It absolutely fits in with our joint Community Wealth Building aims, supporting emerging business to grow and thrive right here in East Lothian.”
Read more about the QMU Startup studio on the QMU website
Visit East Lothian Business Gateway at Business Gateway.
About Bright Red Triangle
Bright Red Triangle is Edinburgh Napier University's enterprise hub. It offers a wide range of programmes, activities, and support for students, staff, and alumni to foster entrepreneurship and innovation. Its mission is to help individuals realise their potential and transform innovative ideas into successful ventures. These services were extended to students, graduates and staff of QMU and Edinburgh College in late 2024. Members of these communities can now access BRT support within their own institutions, providing them with more convenience and flexibility, as well as the opportunity to collaborate with entrepreneurs across all three institutions. They can also access Startup studios at any of the partner institutions – QMU, Edinburgh Napier and Edinburgh College. Read more about the Bright Red Triangle partnership development which is now supporting more budding entrepreneurs - www.brightredtriangle.co.uk
