Meet founders, researchers, mentors, and investors, and hear how AI is changing how spinouts and graduate founders build.

The Innovation Mixer is back for December, and we’d love to see you there.

Once a year we get the Loughborough entrepreneurship and innovation community in one room: founders, researchers, students, alumni, mentors, investors and the people who support new businesses in the region. It’s a relaxed event. Most of the day is for meeting people, with a short set of talks.

This year we’re talking about AI. Small teams coming out of the University can now build and sell things that used to need a lot more people and a lot more money. We’ve asked a mix of founders, investors and academics how that’s changing the way companies get started, and what it means for those of us who support them.

What to Expect

Time to meet founders, researchers, mentors, investors and support organisations

A keynote, two short talks and a fireside chat on AI and starting a company

A chance to meet the LUinc. team and hear what we’re working on

Drinks when you arrive and lunch afterwards

When and Where

Tuesday 8 December 2026, 11.00am to 2.00pm, at SportPark, Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park, 3 Oakwood Drive, Loughborough LE11 3QF.

Speakers

Keynote: Prof. Rebecca Cain (https://www.linkedin.com/in/profrebeccacain/), Dean of Design and Creative Arts, Loughborough University

Lightning talk: Prof. Caroline Field (https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-field-21185921/), Visiting Professor of Structure and Infrastructure Resilience, Loughborough University & Steven Barradell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevebarradell/), MD, Graffio Arts, Institute and Institute Research Lab

Fireside chat panel: Sophie Richter (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-richter-039a0b20/), Founder and CEO, aiKnit; Prof. Laura Bond (https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-b-9a03351/), General Partner, Pontaq; Prof. Diwei Zhou (https://www.linkedin.com/in/professor-diwei-zhou-0ba7aab8/), Independent Scientific Advisor, Innovate UK BridgeAI Programme; Jacob Strauss (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-strauss-699546196/), Co-founder and CTO, ChaseLabs; and moderated by Andres Urena (https://www.linkedin.com/in/andresurena/), Venture Programs & Tech, LUinc.

Dress code is smart business casual, and the event is free to attend & lunch is provided.

Description supplied by the event organiser.