Marks & Clerk announced as new sponsor of the Ignite Alumni Network

We are delighted to announce our sponsorship of the Ignite Alumni Network, an innovation-driven community hosted by the University of Warwick Science Park. The Network brings together ambitious companies and ventures that have benefitted from the support of the Science Park's Ignite incubator and wider business support programmes.

The Ignite Alumni Network has grown rapidly since its launch in 2023 and is now made up of over 600 of the most ambitious, innovative and predominantly tech-based businesses and ventures across Coventry, Warwickshire and beyond, ranging from micro-startups to large scale-ups operating across sectors such as biotech, manufacturing, retail, and skill-tech.

At the most recent meeting, discussions focused on how Midlands businesses are harnessing AI in inventive and practical ways to strengthen their operations, with founders sharing real-world applications ranging from enhanced data analysis to workplace culture insights and even production-ready software. 

Senior Associate, Nick Jones, presented to the network and emphasised the importance of early IP protection, particularly for those businesses developing or implementing AI‑driven technologies.

The network’s collaborative culture continues to strengthen as both returning members and new participants contribute their expertise at each meeting. We are proud to support this growing community of entrepreneurs, and our involvement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the Midlands innovation ecosystem and ensuring founders have the tools and knowledge they need to scale with confidence.

Nick, together with colleagues Matthijs Branderhorst and Tobias Eriksson, look forward to providing support to the Ignite Alumni Network over the next 12 months.