The Innovation Lab is designed to support entrepreneurship, make space for ideas to percolate and help students build networks. The new space, which spans 2,000 sq ft, will be situated at the core of Regent's campus, providing students with mentoring and expertise and a place where aspiring entrepreneurs, disruptors, and innovators can come together to create and envision a new world. Students will have access to a fully equipped workspace, a curated programme of events and workshops and an incredible network of advisors who will support them on taking their business idea to the next level. 

The Huckletree team will work closely with Regent’s students, faculty, and alumni, offering mentorship and resources to help them develop their ideas and turn them into successful businesses. The curated events programme will include skills workshops and fireside chats alongside regular pitch practice and founder breakfasts led by some of London’s most innovative entrepreneurs. The programme will provide guidance and a roadmap for the journey leveraging the knowledge and experience of the Huckletree community, while connecting students with like-minded peers and industry experts.

The university has a reputation for being among the UK universities developing the highest percentage of company founders, and 82 Regent’s University London students are currently participating in the inaugural round of Huckletree’s Future Founders Programme, an eight week bootcamp for first-time founders giving them practical knowledge and advice to launch their business, which is a cornerstone for the collaboration. Industry experts including Gabbi Cahane, Partner at Stride.VC and Abadesi Osunsade, Author and Founder of Hustle Crew are delivering high impact workshops as part of the programme.

The partnership is led by Professor Geoff Smith, Vice-Chancellor & CEO, Regent’s University London and Gabriela Hersham, Huckletree’s CEO and Cofounder and Regent’s alumna. Since founding Huckletree in 2014, Gabriela has been an active member of the Regent’s community.  

Gabriela Hersham, CEO and Co-Founder of Huckletree said: "We are excited to be partnering with Regent's to bring our Huckletree ecosystem and expertise to the next generation of entrepreneurs through our new Innovation Lab. This is our first university hub, which marks a crucial milestone for Huckletree, towards democratising education and opportunities for aspiring business owners. Our mission is to support and accelerate the growth of ambitious, innovative startups, and we believe that by providing students with access to our expertise and resources, we can help them realise their potential and make a real impact in the world."

The partnership is a natural fit, given both organisations' commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The Innovation Lab will provide a unique opportunity for students to develop their skills and experience, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of the modern business world.

Professor Geoff Smith, Vice-Chancellor & CEO, Regent’s University London, said: “At Regent’s, we have a reputation for nurturing successful founders and Gabriela is one of them. This makes it an added pleasure to be partnering with Huckletree to help our entrepreneurial students fulfil their ambitions. Cultivating possibility is at the core of what we do, and this collaboration will bring with it boundless opportunities for our students and wider community.”