UCL researchers invited to apply for funding to develop social ventures

Researchers who have an idea that has the potential to make a difference to people’s lives, tackle environmental issues or meet community needs can benefit from support from UCL Business (UCLB) Social Ventures.

The product or service must have been developed through UCL research or involve UCL IP, and the project must be able to create social impact and have a clear plan for progression beyond the period of the award.

Previous social ventures supported by UCLB, part of UCL Innovation & Enterprise, include the ‘Six Bells Red’ line of wall paint and artists’ oil paints. Dr Onya McCausland, (UCL Slade School of Fine Art) developed the first ever mineral-based, sustainable exterior grade emulsion paint made from ochre waste and the first artist-grade oil paint using recycled burnt ochre.

Onya worked on the project with UCLB, in partnership with The Coal Authority. The paint was made by reusing waste ochre from Six Bells coal mines in Blaenau Gwent, South Wales, saving it from going to landfill.

"We can clearly see that working with UCL Business is effective in taking UCL research and using it to help tackle the challenges set out by the Sustainable Development Goals", said Simon Knowles, UCL Head of Coordination (SDGs). "Onya’s project is helping to achieve SDG12: ensuring more sustainable consumption and production. I look forward to seeing how other social ventures founded at UCL can help to address the challenges set out by the SDGs."

Find out more and launch a social venture here.

Links

• Transforming waste from coal mines into paint
• UCL Business
• UCL Innovation & Enterprise
• UCL Slade School of Fine Art
• UCL SDGs Initiative