Celebrating five years of impact, innovation, and collaboration at Nexus
It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since Nexus first opened its doors!
From the very beginning in 2019, Nexus has been a catalyst for ground-breaking innovation, creating an environment where start-ups, scale-ups, and industry leaders converge to shape the future.
In this blog, Gareth Scargill, Nexus Director, reflects on the journey so far, sharing his insights on how our community has grown, our partnerships have strengthened, and our collective achievements have left a lasting mark on the region and beyond.
Driving real-world innovation
Nexus is so much more than just a physical space; it’s a dynamic community that supports 100+ members working on transformative projects. From digital twins to medical devices, flood defences to carbon accounting, Nexus members are driving innovation in the real world.
Take Atlas Endoscopy, for example – they’re creating one of the most advanced robotic colonoscopy systems in the world. Or Itecho Health, who are using digital health to help patients with chronic conditions.
And our first tenant, Vet-AI offers rapid access to veterinary professionals via its innovative Joii Pet Care application and, since joining, they’ve expanded to over 100 employees and now serve more than 300,000 customers online—how’s that for growth?
Then there’s Pinpoint Data Science, a company using machine learning to guide doctors in making earlier cancer diagnoses, therefore improving the outcomes for cancer patients. And Keracol, who mix science and sustainability to create vital products from natural materials.
These aren’t just technical breakthroughs—they’re innovations that are changing lives, and Nexus couldn’t be prouder to support them.
Welcoming leaders and global recognition
Over the years, Nexus has become a destination for some pretty influential visitors. From Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves, to former Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin, we’ve hosted leaders who share our passion for innovation and progress.
We’ve also welcomed major players like the CEO’s from Microsoft UK and UKRI (to name a few), strengthening our role as a bridge between academia, business, and government to spur economic and technological advancement.
Economic growth and regional leadership
Of course, we haven’t done all of this alone. The success of Nexus is tied to the incredible progress happening across Leeds and West Yorkshire. You only have to look around to see that it’s a time of change in the region.
Microsoft are opening a data centre here, the National Wealth Fund has been launched here, the British Library is setting up shop, and Channel 4 have made Leeds their home. Industry heavyweights are choosing Leeds as their home – and for good reason.
The signing of the West Yorkshire Devolution Deal at Nexus, alongside investments from the Mayoral Combined Authority totalling over £1.8 billion, exemplifies our impact on policy and economic development.
And let’s not forget the impact of the MIT REAP programme, which has been a powerful driver of innovation, empowering entrepreneurs and fostering both economic and societal growth. Adding to this momentum, West Yorkshire has been chosen as the country’s third investment zone – a truly transformational project that will only serve to boost economic growth even further.
Shaping the future
As we celebrate our fifth anniversary, it’s clear that Nexus is more than a place—it’s a movement. Members like Itecho Health, Keracol, and Vet-AI aren’t just breaking new ground in their industries; they’re contributing to a culture of collaboration and shared innovation that’s at the heart of what we do.
Looking ahead, Nexus remains committed to fostering innovation that inspires and uplifts. The next chapter promises more opportunities for collaboration, breakthroughs that push boundaries, and a continued commitment to being at the heart of innovation in Leeds and beyond. We’re just getting started.
If you think you could benefit from being part of the Nexus community, get in touch today.
