The UK is at a critical juncture. The country needs to accelerate the transition to a green economy, combat climate change and secure energy independence. This clearly means moving away from our reliance on oil and gas and using sustainable solutions that will advance the transition to a new energy economy. But change on this scale requires a collaborative effort, with everyone playing their part, from policymakers and businesses to researchers and the public.
We strongly believe this is where foundations can make a real difference. By adopting a multifaceted approach, foundations can drive this transition. At SRM Foundation, like many others, we are dedicated to helping individuals, supporting innovation, and advocating for policies that create a cleaner, more sustainable future for everyone.

In our experience, there are four key facets to this approach:
Influencing Policy: We must work closely with government bodies to shape policies that incentivise the adoption of green energy and hold corporations accountable for their environmental impact.
Investing in Research: Foundations should fund cutting-edge research at UK universities, supporting the development of technologies that can revolutionise the energy sector.
Helping Our Communities: There should be a just transition that supports workers and communities affected by the shift away from fossil fuels. Initiatives that foundations bring must focus on creating new economic opportunities and providing access to green jobs.
Educating the Public: We must continue to build awareness about the benefits of a clean economy and motivate the public to make sustainable choices in their daily lives.
How Can Foundations Support University Innovation?
It starts and ends with access to funds. We provide financial backing for entrepreneurship programs, enabling universities to offer workshops, competitions, and other resources.
Students have great ideas but cannot easily start ventures. Foundations can step in and offer funding to universities to select the most promising student ventures and set them up for success. Innovations must be promoted. By supporting entrepreneurship, foundations encourage the development of new ideas and technologies that can benefit society.

Another – and often forgotten – benefit that foundations bring to the table is facilitating industry connections: Foundations can connect students with mentors, investors, and potential partners in the business world.
The Student Entrepreneurship Program at Robert Gordon University (RGU)
One of our most exciting upcoming initiatives is the Student Entrepreneurship Program at Robert Gordon University (RGU). This program supports students in developing the skills and mindset needed to launch their own green energy ventures.
The benefits are far-reaching. Students need more than just academic knowledge; they need the skills and mindset to adapt, innovate, and create their own opportunities. For students this is a chance to get valuable skills, build their networks, and turn their innovative ideas into reality.
The SRM Foundation intends to get a front-row seat to the latest green innovations and access a pipeline of talented young entrepreneurs.
And for the UK: we believe that this initiative can fuel the growth of a homegrown green economy and create more jobs.
Aligning with RGU's Hands-On Approach to Innovation
RGU is the ideal environment to host this program's success because it offers a unique blend of experiences that perfectly align with our goals.
RGU's emphasis on practical experience through workshops, competitions, and real-world projects enables students to get tangible skills and knowledge. We admire RGU's method of encouraging students to tackle real-world problems, cultivating the creative problem-solving and collaborative spirit.
What sets RGU apart is its recognition that entrepreneurship is more than just starting a business. It's about developing well-rounded experts with the confidence and skills to make a real impact. This approach is fundamental to why we believe RGU is the right place for this program.
Waterside Farm Project
This project is a partnership between the SRM Foundation and Robert Gordon University (RGU) to transform a 55-acre site called Waterside Farm into a thriving habitat for plants and animals. This initiative has a goal to improve the site's biodiversity.
This project offers a fantastic opportunity for RGU students to get involved in a real-world conservation effort. Students will get practical experience in restoring and managing a natural habitat, learning about ecological principles and the importance of biodiversity. This hands-on learning can complement their academic studies and provide skills for future careers in environmental fields.

The Waterside Farm project also acts as a living laboratory. Students will be able to participate in data collection, ecological monitoring, and studies on various plant and animal species, developing their research abilities and deepening their understanding of environmental science.
The initiative also encourages community engagement. The project allows students to connect with local residents through volunteering, educational programs, and outreach activities. This creates opportunities to develop communication and teamwork skills while contributing to the community's environmental awareness.
We believe this project has a threefold effect:
It benefits students,
It improves the biodiversity of the site, and
It showcases RGU's commitment to sustainability.

Thinking Beyond Just Startups and Tech
While new ventures are a key outcome, our initiatives at Robert Gordon University keep the focus on a broader entrepreneurial mindset. We aim to develop a mindset that can be applied in any context. This means encouraging students to think creatively and identify opportunities, take initiative and be proactive, tackle challenges and learn from setbacks, develop strong communication and leadership skills.
At SRM Foundation, we are convinced that supporting young entrepreneurs is a game-changer. It is exactly how we build a stronger economy and a brighter future for the UK.