Ian Sterritt
Ian has over 30 years’ experience successfully commercialising disruptive innovation within both established and fast-growing companies. His innovation commercialisation expertise began through launching Sat Nav with Philips Electronics in the 1990s.
This was followed with the world’s first taxi-hailing app with London Taxi International & Vodafone (pre-dating Uber by some 8 years) before founding the i-Qube innovation consultancy and serving as the Intellectual Property Office’s regional policy lead. He has broad knowledge across several technologies and industries − from electronics and software to manufacturing in the automotive and food and drink sectors. Ian lead the buy-out of a former I-Qube client’s business following the MD/Owner’s fatal road accident; dealing with multi-national food businesses (Mars, Unilever, Arla etc.) to add to similar commercial partnership negotiations with telecoms (taxi hailing with Vodafone, O2) and Automotive (e.g. Ford, Toyota, Volvo, Rolls Royce etc.). Innovation projects have ranged from software solutions for the emergency services to supporting the commercialising of several PhD research projects.
A track history of creating winning business strategies, innovation practice, securing funding, building collaborations, and managing a diverse Intellectual Property portfolio. Ian’s key areas of expertise are Corporate Strategy, Route to Market and IP commercialisation. His network is extensive, if he hasn’t personal experience of particular sectors or technologies, he can normally short-cut to someone who has.
Living near Bakewell gives Ian great opportunities to extend his gym fitness sessions with regular access of the Peak District’s walking and cycling routes from his own doorstep.