Universities are uniquely placed to shape the next generation of entrepreneurs, but doing so requires more than courses, competitions, or incubators in isolation. This roundtable brings together perspectives from higher education and venture-building to explore how universities can intentionally equip students with entrepreneurial mindsets, practical skills, and real‑world exposure that extend well beyond graduation. Co‑hosted by Ruth Weir, Head of Entrepreneurship, and James Hayward, COO of Cambridge Future Tech, the session will examine how universities can better support early‑stage student startups, bridge the gap between academic learning and scalable venture creation, and build ecosystems that enable students to thrive as founders, future employees, and lifelong innovators.

Thought Starter Questions:

What entrepreneurial skills, mindsets, and experiences should every student graduate with, regardless of whether they launch a startup, and how can universities embed these meaningfully into the student journey? What is being done well, what needs more work?
How can universities better support early‑stage student startups to move from idea to traction, while working effectively with external partners such as accelerators, investors, and industry ecosystems?
What does “success” look like for student entrepreneurship post‑university, and how should universities measure and design support for long‑term founder and career outcomes, not just startups formed on campus?

James Hayward

Session

The Role of Universities in creating the Entrepreneurs of the Future