Stephen Woodhouse

I am the Knowledge Transfer Adviser for Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) support businesses to engage with expert academic teams on a project-based collaboration delivering sustainable innovation with positive economic impact and additional societal or environmental benefits. I look after businesses supporting their projects with knowledge bases in many parts of the country and also maintain relationships with a number of designated universities in relation to their participation in the programme.

Working on behalf of Innovate UK, KTAs help to identify and convene new KTP partnerships, and provide collaborative support for the development of an application and associated business case. KTAs support project delivery post-award and also provide connectivity across the wider Business Connect community to aid successful delivery of the commercial opportunity.

As an experienced leader of early stage technology ventures, I have consistently delivered high growth and value creation across the defence, telecom and energy sectors. Formerly CEO of a global telecom consulting practice, I built the group from scratch to preparation for a $350m IPO on NASDAQ. Widely involved in the commercial exploitation of fixed and mobile networks, I have specialised in the commercialisation of disruptive innovations – particularly for start-up and early stage businesses.

In a Business Development role, I created powerful and influential partnerships and built enduring relationships at the most senior level. Most recently I have been involved in the strategy formulation and investment analysis of energy management systems – particularly initiatives involving Demand Response, Smart Metering and Smart Grid.

For a number of years I also acted as Chair for the South Wiltshire Economic Partnership (SWEP).  This public/private sector partnership engages district and county councils, local businesses and business organisations and focuses upon development and expansion of the regional economy.