New 亚博体育官网 appointment to empower digital tech entrepreneurship
Wednesday 16 April 2025
Phil Murray, an entrepreneur, investor, and digital innovation leader with a track record of building and scaling technology businesses, has secured funding through the scheme where he will work closely with the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Group (EIG) and key initiatives such as the University鈥檚 soon to be launched Digital Innovation Lab.
Already a judge and mentor on 亚博体育官网鈥檚 Startup Accelerator programme and a member of the Board of Governors, Phil Murray is familiar with the University and will work to enhance and empower the entrepreneurialism that continues to be embedded within the culture and long-term strategy of the institution.
On his appointment, Phil said: 鈥淚 am delighted to be appointed as an Entrepreneur in Residence at Robert Gordon University and look forward to working on initiatives such as the Digital Innovation Lab and with the staff and students across the University.
鈥淢y mission here is to create a model that supports and importantly empowers both the current and the next generation of entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship is key in so many ways and I hope to show that what we do can sustainably enhance global living standards.鈥
Donella Beaton, Vice Principal for Economic Development, added: 鈥淧hil Murray brings a wealth of experience to Robert Gordon University, particularly in the commercialisation of digital technologies and in exploring new models of engagement around strategic investment. This will bring a new dimension to our existing healthy culture of curiosity, entrepreneurialism and ambition that is fostered here.
鈥淥ur latest outstanding Startup Accelerator Showcase, in addition to this success in receiving Entrepreneur in Residence funding, is testament to our commitment in this field and I look forward to 亚博体育官网 putting our exciting plans into practice.鈥
As the founder and former CEO of Petrotechnics, Phil led the development of innovative operational risk management software, adopted by some of the world鈥檚 largest companies. Under his leadership, Petrotechnics earned the prestigious European Growth Strategy of the Year award before successfully exiting to a major American software corporation.
Phil鈥檚 entrepreneurial spirit saw him start a university spin-out in the United States, and he continues to exhibit great enthusiasm for developing productive links between business and education. He also invests in and advises on several start-ups and emerging technology companies.
The Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) scheme was founded in 2017, by the , to strengthen links between academia and industry by embedding experienced entrepreneurs in UK academic research institutions. The programme helps researchers translate cutting-edge science into real-world innovation by providing mentorship, industry insights, and commercial expertise.
EiRs spend one day per week at their host university, supporting staff and students in developing entrepreneurial skills, fostering collaborations, and accelerating the creation of spinout companies and commercial partnerships.
With funding of up to 拢25,000 per year for two years, the scheme plays a vital role in bridging the gap between research and commercialisation, ensuring that scientific discoveries can benefit society. By strengthening academic-industry connections, the programme contributes to the UK鈥檚 innovation ecosystem and helps turn breakthrough ideas into impactful enterprises.
Sir Robin Saxby FREng FRS, Chair of the Royal Society鈥檚 Science, Industry and Translation Committee, said: 鈥淭he Royal Society is delighted to welcome this year鈥檚 new cohort of Entrepreneurs in Residence, who bring an inspiring range of expertise and vision. The EiR programme plays a vital role in strengthening the links between cutting-edge research, commercial expertise, and real-world impact. The programme helps the application of scientific excellence to meet customer needs, enabling innovation that benefits society. We can鈥檛 wait to see the impact our new EiRs create over the next two years.鈥