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 now open for business.
The Startup Studio brings together Business Gateway East Lothian, Bright Red Triangle and QMU's entrepreneurial services under one roof. As a result, new and aspiring business founders can access support in a collaborative and accessible environment.
One of the Studio's key aims is to provide free hot-desking space alongside expert guidance. In addition, users can access resources, training and funding opportunities. The facility welcomes students, staff, graduates, local residents and members of East Lothian's wider business community. Furthermore, local businesses can benefit from the Studio's convenient location, high-quality facilities and strong networking opportunities.
The Studio operates during the University's core opening hours, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. During this time, users can work in a friendly and supportive environment while connecting with fellow entrepreneurs and experienced business advisors.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund, funded by the UK Government, supported the development of the Startup Studio. Its creation reflects QMU's commitment to building a connected entrepreneurial culture across both the University and the East Lothian region. Additionally, it strengthens the University's long-standing partnership with East Lothian Council and supports Community Wealth Building through a people-centred, place-based approach to enterprise.
The new facility also builds on the legacy of QMU's Business Innovation Zone (BIZ). For more than 12 years, BIZ supported enterprise activity in partnership with Business Gateway East Lothian. During that period, more than 100 entrepreneurs, start-ups, sole traders, practitioners and freelancers received business support. Consequently, a strong and lasting community of innovators developed across the region.
Now, the Startup Studio will take that support even further. For example, it will offer workshops, mentoring, networking events, funding pathways and collaborative programmes. These opportunities will help stimulate innovation and encourage entrepreneurial growth throughout East Lothian.
Businesses interested in using the hot-desking 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 training 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. Furthermore, it 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 step forward. It builds on the partnership between budding entrepreneurs, the Council's Business Gateway service and QMU's business support network. Importantly, it aligns with our shared Community Wealth Building ambitions by helping emerging businesses grow and thrive here in East Lothian."
Read more about the QMU Startup studio on the QMU website
You can also visit East Lothian Business Gateway for further business support and advice.
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. Its mission is to encourage entrepreneurship, foster innovation and help people turn ideas into successful businesses.
In late 2024, these services expanded to include students, graduates and staff from QMU and Edinburgh College. As a result, members of all three institutions can now access support within their own campuses. This provides greater convenience and flexibility. Moreover, it creates new opportunities for collaboration between entrepreneurs across the partner institutions.
Members can also access Startup Studios at QMU, Edinburgh Napier University and Edinburgh College. To find out more, visit www.brightredtriangle.co.uk and learn how the partnership is supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Sign up for our communications to receive the latest news and updates in East Lothian.
Please refer to our Privacy Policy.
