Imperial Enterprise Lab appoints new Entrepreneur-in-Residence

Imperial Enterprise Lab has appointed Martin Ward as its new Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR), strengthening the Lab's support for early-stage founders across the Imperial community.

The appointment is supported through the Royal Society Entrepreneur-in-Residence scheme and reflects Imperial’s ongoing commitment to translating world-leading research and ideas into real-world impact.

Strengthening support for early-stage founders

The Royal Society’s EIR scheme gives us a rare chance to work intensively with Martin over two years to deepen and scale our support for Imperial founders. He is already sharpening our vision and challenging us to build even stronger pathways from idea to investable venture Victoria Nicholl Head of Incubation Services

As Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Martin will work closely with Enterprise Lab staff to enhance the Lab’s provision for students, alumni and researchers at the earliest stages of venture creation. The role has a particular focus on improving top-of-the-funnel engagement, enriching the entrepreneurial ecosystem across Imperial and supporting high-quality, in-person interactions between founders, advisors and partners.

Through this work, the position aims to deepen access to entrepreneurship, support the formation of stronger ventures, and help build sustainable models of engagement with industry and the wider innovation ecosystem.

Extensive industry and ecosystem experience

Martin brings more than 30 years of experience in senior roles within global technology companies including Oracle, SAP and Fujitsu, alongside hands-on experience as a founder and operator. He has also played a prominent role in the UK technology ecosystem, including serving as West Midlands Tech Commissioner, and has an established track record mentoring early-stage entrepreneurs.

Martin has volunteered with the Enterprise Lab since 2022 as both an Expert-in-Residence and a Venture Mentor, giving him a strong understanding of Imperial’s entrepreneurial culture, community and challenges. When speaking about the expansion of his support, Martin says, "I’m incredibly honoured to take up this EiR appointment at Imperial Enterprise Lab, supported by a grant from the Royal Society. Many brilliant new ventures come out of Imperial and it will be a privilege to contribute to their success by helping them explore market fit and connect with capital, customers and experienced venture operators. There’s also a very bold vision for the future of the lab as a global centre for innovation and entrepreneurship and it’s fantastic to be able to play a part in realising that vision."

Focus of the Entrepreneur-in-Residence role

During his tenure, Martin will focus on strengthening and scaling early-stage support mechanisms, including reviewing and enhancing the Enterprise Lab’s Idea Surgery coaching provision, which supports founders as they explore and shape new venture ideas.

Martin will also contribute to identifying and piloting new ways to connect Imperial entrepreneurs with experienced operators and industry leaders, either as advisors or potential co-founders, helping to support the creation of more robust IP spinouts and student-led startups.

The Entrepreneur-in-Residence appointment runs from January 2026 to January 2028 and is supported through the Royal Society’s EiR scheme.