University of Essex

The University of Essex is a comprehensive public research university based in Colchester with an additional campus at Loughton; its Southend campus will close in summer 2026 as activity consolidates. Industry engagement is anchored by the on‑campus Knowledge Gateway research and technology park, including the Innovation Centre managed with Oxford Innovation Space for workspace, mentoring and direct links to academic expertise. As a designated University Enterprise Zone, Essex supports founders through the Angels@Essex equity platform and maintains a sector‑leading record in Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnerships that de‑risk collaborative R&D. Research is backed by competitive funding from UK Research and Innovation councils and Innovate UK, with commercialization and collaboration contracts supported by a dedicated Research and Enterprise Office.