New Hire Takes on Position as Photonics Technology Acceleration Manager on Our Site
Annette Daley has taken on a new role as the Photonics Acceleration Manager at the University of Southampton's startup accelerator, a partnership with CORNERSTONE Photonics and Innovation Centre (CPIC).
In her new position, Daley will be responsible for driving the growth and development of photonics-based startups within the accelerator program. Her core responsibility is to catalyse and accelerate the growth of these startups, ensuring they have the support and resources needed to succeed commercially.
Daley's role includes supporting early-stage photonics companies by providing tailored business development guidance, helping them scale their technologies and commercial ventures. She will also facilitate access to the University of Southampton’s research expertise, facilities, and networks to accelerate innovation.
In addition, Daley will connect startups with industry partners, investors, and other key stakeholders to foster collaboration and funding opportunities. She will oversee program activities that nurture entrepreneurial skills, market readiness, and investment readiness among founders.
Furthermore, Daley will coordinate efforts between the University, CPIC, and other ecosystem players to create a vibrant photonics innovation cluster.
Prof Callum Littlejohns, Director of the Institute for Complex Systems and Innovation, warmly welcomed Daley to the team, believing she is well-placed to lead the startup support program. He said, "Annette's extensive experience in Account Management, Relationship Management, and Business Development, coupled with her extensive networking and connection-building skills, will be invaluable in supporting the next generation of aspiring startup founders in Photonics."
Dr Alice Iles, Head of the Optoelectronics Research Centre, also expressed her excitement about Daley's appointment, stating, "Annette's appointment strengthens our partnership with CPIC and will positively impact the ground-breaking research in Silicon Photonics."
Researchers in Silicon Photonics interested in creating a startup are encouraged to contact Daley by email to set up an initial informal chat.
Daley, who has over 30 years of experience in her field, has previously worked in sectors such as Finance and IT, at companies ranging from multi-national corporates to startups. Her experience includes helping founders navigate challenges of commercialization and scaling innovations globally.
Daley expressed her excitement about joining the University of Southampton's startup accelerator, stating, "I am thrilled to be joining the team and look forward to working with the University, CPIC, and the startup community to support the growth and development of photonics-based startups."
The appointment of Annette Daley as Photonics Acceleration Manager is a significant step in the University of Southampton's commitment to supporting researchers in Silicon Photonics at any stage of the startup process. The team is ready to support you in your journey to turning your research into a successful startup.
- Annette Daley, in her new role as the Photonics Acceleration Manager, will drive the growth and development of photonics-based startups within the accelerator program at the University of Southampton.
- Daley's core responsibility is to catalyze and accelerate the growth of these startups, ensuring they have the support and resources needed to succeed commercially.
- She will support early-stage photonics companies by providing tailored business development guidance and help them scale their technologies and commercial ventures.
- Daley will facilitate access to the University of Southampton’s research expertise, facilities, and networks to accelerate innovation.
- She will connect startups with industry partners, investors, and other key stakeholders to foster collaboration and funding opportunities.
- Daley's extensive experience in Account Management, Relationship Management, and Business Development, coupled with her extensive networking and connection-building skills, will be invaluable in supporting the next generation of aspiring startup founders in Photonics.
- Researchers in Silicon Photonics interested in creating a startup are encouraged to contact Daley by email to set up an initial informal chat and join the University of Southampton's vibrant photonics innovation ecosystem.
