Physics body creates entrepreneurship club

Physicists working in industry have welcomed the announcement of an Institute of Physics interest group for entrepreneurs and physics-based companies.

The group aims to facilitate networking and collaborations and help members to access tools such as business support, finance and affordable workspace, the IoP said in a statement on 31 July. The group will be chaired by IoP’s vice-president for business James McKenzie, who is also the chief executive of L Photonstar LED Group, which designs and makes LED lights. 

It is important for the group to help prepare physicists for the commercial world, IoP members said at a town hall meeting on 27 July. Another priority should be to create a network of successful industrial physicists, they said. In particular, training should be provided in areas including intellectual property and starting up a business.