Nexus’ new senior hire to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in West Yorkshire
Nexus, the University of Leeds’s innovation hub, has appointed Mark Mildren as Head of Innovation Programmes & Partnerships to lead its expanding innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives.
The appointment highlights Nexus’ commitment to nurturing ambitious entrepreneurs and innovators. Mark will lead innovation activities which will include accelerators, bootcamps, and hackathons, delivering strategic programmes and developing partnerships that strengthen the region’s growing innovation ecosystem.
With over 20 years’ experience across creative industries, innovation and business growth, Mark has played a key role in shaping Leeds’s inclusive innovation strategy as part of the MIT REAP Team Leeds Delivery Group, working alongside the University of Leeds, Leeds City Council and partners.
Mark’s background includes designing nationally recognised programmes, scaling startups, and building high-performing teams and partnerships across academic, public, and private sectors. He also previously supported the award-winning Innovative Entrepreneurs programme, delivered by a 12-partner consortium led by Nexus and the University of Leeds, helping to recruit diverse founders and mentor early-stage companies.
Mark Mildren, Head of Innovation Programmes & Partnerships at Nexus, said: “This role is a meaningful and exciting next step for me, building on six years working within the very innovation ecosystem this position will help shape. I aim to bring a fresh perspective, combining lived entrepreneurial experience with a strategic focus, to support the University’s innovation agenda. Nexus sits at the centre of pioneering developments in Leeds, and there’s real potential to create positive change. I look forward to working with delivery partners, specialists, and the regional community to accelerate impactful programmes, encourage a diverse range of founders, and help ambitious ideas succeed.”
Gareth Scargill, Director of Nexus, added, “Mark’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Nexus as we grow our community and support for innovation-driven enterprises. His entrepreneurial experience and expertise in ecosystem development will help us deliver market‑leading programmes for innovators and further position Leeds and the wider region as a hotbed of innovation.”
Mark is a Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses alumnus, a Business Insider ‘42 Under 42’ honoree, and a two-time Institute of Directors award nominee. He regularly speaks at innovation-focused events and is passionate about championing Leeds on a global stage.
Latest news
Beyond devolution: What Yorkshire’s growing businesses really need to thrive
Gareth Scargill argues that devolution alone will not fix Yorkshire’s scale-up challenge. Many Northern firms prove their model but struggle to secure the patient capital needed for growth, as investment remains concentrated in the South East.
Read article
Nexus Connect: Smart Cities or Big Brother?
At the latest edition of Nexus Connect, we explored one of the defining tensions in urban innovation: the promise of smart cities and the surveillance concerns that accompany them.
Read article
Urbis Smart Cities: Cosmic Films, Czech Driving, and a 400‑Year‑Old City on Tour
Barry Singleton and Dennis Dokter were invited to participate in Brno’s flagship Smart Cities Conference, Urbis, a vibrant mix of conference, technology exhibition and workshops to help city leaders to be more resilient.
Read article