Professor Andy Treen (He/Him)

Andy joined the University of Exeter as Practice Professor in Knowledge Transfer, having previously spent 10 years at Innovate UK supporting the delivery and strategic development of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme. This experience has provided Andy with unique insight into SME (Small & Medium Enterprise) innovation, both nationally through the oversight of the award of £50m of annual funding for business innovation, and locally in the South West where Andy was the regional KTP Advisor. Andy supported more than a hundred Southwest businesses in securing and delivering over £30m of innovation projects, drawing on expertise within the UK's academic sector to deliver strategic business change. 

Prior to Innovate UK Andy had over twenty years experience in the commercial Research and Development, primarily within the FTSE 250 QinetiQ plc, where he had a number of senior roles including technical and operational management of the Materials research group. This included engagement with key University partners and horizon scanning activities to identify and nurture corporate venturing opportunities.

Throughout his career Andy has continued an active engagement in technology development, particularly related to commercial applications of electromagnetics and materials, within a diverse range of markets including; construction, FMCG, aerospace, and manufacturing.  Andy's has a particular passion for cross-disciplinary research, where the combination of diverse skills and experience can yield exciting and disruptive innovations.