New Head of Ventures set to expand ties to global industry

1 Apr 2020

The University of Queensland (UQ) has welcomed Mr Nimrod Klayman into the new leadership role of Head of Ventures.  
 
Since 2016, Mr Klayman has been the Director of Idea Hub, one of the University’s suite of entrepreneurial programs and initiatives under the Ventures brand that provide students, alumni and staff with the skills needed to think creatively and to build a startup or social enterprise.

In collaboration with Dr Jessica Gallagher, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement and Entrepreneurship), Mr Klayman will now oversee all Ventures activities, including one of Australia’s most experienced accelerators, ilab.  
 
Mr Klayman has been a key contributor to the development and expansion of entrepreneurship activities at UQ throughout the past four-and-a-half years, including the Australia-first paid position of Chief Student Entrepreneur.   
 
With a background in business and psychology, he brings 20 years’ experience in senior roles within the telecommunication, manufacturing, technology and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industries. He has founded 11 startups in Australia and overseas, and said he is keen to expand UQ’s engagement with global industry, despite facing significant disruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  
 
“Right now, the way higher education is imagined and experienced is undergoing an unforeseen acceleration," Mr Klayman said. 

"As UQ goes online to deliver courses and keep its community connected, Ventures, too, is changing the way entrepreneurial education takes place; for example, ilab Accelerator startups now receive intensive mentorship and industry advice virtually.  

“Now more than ever, entrepreneurial thinking and industry experience will mark our students out as game-changing graduates in our ever complex and interconnected world.” 

Ms Emily de la Peña, Ventures Community Partnership Coordinator, has also been announced as Acting ilab Manager following the departure of long-running Manager, Mr Bernie Woodcroft, in February. 

For more information on UQ Ventures, please contact Mr Nimrod Klayman, n.klayman@uq.edu.au, +61 (0)7 3343 2492

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