Paul Devlin is Head of Commercialisation at Heriot-Watt University, working to transform the institution's academic research into business and entrepreneurship, supporting students to commercialise creative ideas and forming industry partnerships.

Over the past 20 years, Paul's career has progressed from patent-holding software researcher and company founder to R&D programme manager and investor. He has helped high-growth startups to commercialise disruptive technology, resulting in acquisitions from global corporations including Facebook.

Prior to joining Heriot-Watt University, Paul established the Scottish investment office for Mercia Fund Managers Ltd and headed up student entrepreneurship at the University of Edinburgh, as Company Formation Manager.