Chicago students are blown away by east London innovation as they visit Loughborough University London

The two-day trip was organised to share the practical entrepreneurship activities undertaken by students as part of their learning in London.  It was organised by Loughborough Enterprise Network and Future Space as part of work to connect our student and graduate entrepreneurs globally.

The visitors from Chicago took a day out exploring the entrepreneurial ecosystem in and around Loughborough University London’s campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.  They checked out creative maker spaces with The Trampery, artists studios and galleries at 90 Mainyard, ate street food and learnt the story of Hackney Bridge before finally checking out Europe’s biggest innovation space Plexal.

A key part of the exchange was a hack to look at a challenge from a local start-up company Urban Unity Network.  Students from Loughborough University London and DePaul University teamed up to look at how Urban Unity Network could grow its activities.  The winning team were able to create a new concept to connect local communities.

Hayley Jones Student Enterprise Coordinator for Loughborough University London, said: “We have built a truly world class student experience here in London.  It is brilliant to share a small part of this with visitors from across the globe.”

Chicago and London are sister cities after Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and former Mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel signed an agreement to collaborate in 2017.  This is the fourth time Chicago based students have visited London and it is hoped the trip will foster further collaborations between DePaul and Loughborough.

If you are interested in developing links with Loughborough University London we are currently taking bookings for 2024’s summer programme.  Please contact futurespace@lboro.ac.uk to register your interest.