Olga Kozlova

She is a recognized leader in entrepreneurship and commercialization and has worked at the interface between universities and industry for twenty years, delivering successful translation of innovative research into economic growth and societal impact. She founded a technology company early in her career and developed in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by start-ups. She then translated this experience into supporting knowledge exchange activities within the wider university sector.

This culminated in creation of Converge Challenge, the largest Scotland-wide programme for converting university know-how and intellectual property into company creation. Her driver for the creation of Converge was to ensure that each and every member of staff, student or alumni of Scottish Universities would have the opportunity to explore the commercial potential of their ideas. Under her leadership, Converge grew to cover all Scottish Universities with over 250 applications per annum. For every £1 of funding provided to Converge Challenge, the supported companies have secured over £7.5 of funding.

She has been an advocate of the development of the entrepreneurial mindset within Scottish Universities and the wider business community. She has spoken at many events aimed at students and staff of Scottish universities to stimulate commercialisation and to discuss different ways of translating innovation into practice. She has developed and delivered a portfolio of workshops and webinars covering every aspect of business start-up and has been an active mentor of budding entrepreneurs.

She is passionate about empowering women to achieve successful careers. She has led a number of targeted campaigns to support female entrepreneurship resulting in Converge female applications going from 18% to 50% within 8 years.

She is currently Director of Innovation and Industry Engagement at the University of Strathclyde where she lead entrepreneurship and investment functions, industrial engagement and the development of the Glasgow City Innovation District.