SHAPE Ventures Directory

The SHAPE Ventures Directory highlights the broad spectrum of mission driven initiatives arising from SHAPE (Social Sciences, Humanities, and the Arts) research in universities across the UK.

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    From legally incorporated businesses to pre-incorporated, internal university business units, consultancies, and enterprising programs, SHAPE ventures demonstrate innovative approaches to translating research into economic and social impact.

    Through diverse business models and non-traditional commercialisation pathways, these ventures exemplify the unique value of SHAPE disciplines in driving societal change.

    Designed as a resource for commercialisation professionals (those supporting SHAPE initiatives), this directory offers a platform for sharing snapshots of projects, connecting peers, and discovering the extensive SHAPE-led enterprise landscape nationally.

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Affempreneurs

The University of Bristol

Empowers young women micro-entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa with skills training, mentorship, mental health support, and seed funding.

Bilingualism Matters

The University of Edinburgh

Bilingualism Matters is a social enterprise supporting a membership community of organisations and individuals who share the commitment to make the research-based evidence on multilingualism and language learning available and accessible to families, communities, and professionals in education, health or policy.

Circular Agriculture Hub

The University of Bristol

Tackles on-farm food waste (25% of UK food waste) by connecting surplus to alternative channels (food banks, local markets). Explores produce valorisation. Aims to create a more equitable, resilient food system.

EPIC Think Learn

The University of Edinburgh

EPIC Think Learn supports neurodivergent children to better understand who they are and how their brain works. It provides subscription-based services to equip parents, teachers and clinicians/practitioners with research-based information, so they can support the neurodivergent children in their care.

Global Talent Fund (GTF)

The University of Bristol

Provides up to 50 fully funded scholarships/year for STEM students from low-income countries. Offers grants up to $50,000 and advocates for equitable access to global education.

Good Grief Festival CIC

The University of Bristol

Tackles grief stigma by offering community events, workshops, and digital resources. Aims to make grief education inclusive and accessible.

Heddle

The University of Bristol

Supports students who speak English as an Additional Language (EAL) through training, assessments, and teaching resources to foster inclusive learning.

In Place of War

The University of Manchester

In Place of War is a global organisation that uses artistic creativity in places impacted by conflict and climate change as a tool for positive change.

Ketso

The University of Manchester

Ketso is a hands-on toolkit kit for learning and engagement. Each component of the toolkit is designed to embody a key principle of co-production, identified and tested through ESRC-funded research.

Kindling Interventions – Bystander Intervention Training

The University of Exeter

A bystander approach equips individuals with the confidence and skills to notice, step up, and act when they witness something harmful. Building more equal and inclusive communities and workplaces thus becomes the responsibility of everyone – not just those directly affected.

RoundView (stewarded by ThinkingWare CIC)

The University of Manchester

The RoundView is an accessible toolkit for sustainability thinking and learning developed through University of Manchester research and co-production with a range of partners (including Tesco, the National Trust, Natural England, Lancashire Wildlife Trust and UNESCO).

Sexual Misconduct Case Handling – Training for Higher Education Institutions

The University of Surrey

The Sexual Misconduct Case Handling (solution name TBC) approach provides a framework for academics and professional services staff to work to when cases of sexual misconduct involving students are reported.

The Diary Toolkit – Wellbeing for Educators

The University of Bristol

The Diary Toolkit is a hybrid of a diary and a journal written specifically for those working in the education profession. It is designed to help you press pause and discover new and creative ways to celebrate your achievements.

The Engine Room

The University of Manchester

The Engine Room restores the historic Wayfarers Arcade as a living civic space by combining creative enterprise, community learning, and place-based regeneration. As a Community Interest Company, it provides an accessible hub for co-working, gentle making, workshops, and heritage skills development, allowing residents, students, and professionals to gather in a calm, inclusive environment.

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Submit your venture

Submissions can be made online via the SUBMIT button, OR by using form provided by the DOWNLOAD button.

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Please email the completed form to info@aspect.ac.uk