The next generation of new media entrepreneurs is being groomed at Sussex University.
The Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) has launched a management studies course to help science undergraduates to achieve business success.
Senior lecturer Rebecca Harding has designed the entrepreneurial elements of the course, which accounts for 25 per cent of students' final degree, to forge links between business and academia.
Ms Harding said: "The focus is on entrepreneurship and helping students to maximise the commercial potential of their science.
"Participants are studying in a range of disciplines from information technology, artificial intelligence and computer science to the traditional sciences such as maths, physics and chemistry. Every student has something different to offer.
"Entrepreneurship is not a subject which can be taught in the strict sense of the word. It's a case of making their scientific studies relevant to the business world and giving them the skills and contacts to move into the world of work after university."
Ms Harding has been inviting managers from new media companies to lecture her students in the essentials of succeeding in the modern economy.
Next week, the students will meet representatives from a range of fields at a networking event on campus.
Ms Harding said: "The event is a way to get students, established entrepreneurs and financiers working together.
"We are interested in attracting all types of businesses but we are primarily targetting those working in the new economy.
"Some of our students are exploring ways to produce cheaper music-mixing desks and they will be looking to gain backing from technology companies involved in music production.
"Another group is making a web site designed to arrange food delivery directly to students on campus. They believe there is potential for the big supermarkets to benefit from the scheme.
"Businesses have a lot to gain from meeting enthusiastic students and many companies realise this. We have had to move to a bigger venue because there has been so much interest."
The project has received support and advice from the Sussex Innovation Centre, Wired Sussex and banking giant HSBC.
The networking event takes place at The Meeting House, University of Sussex, on Nov-ember 5 (12.30 to 2.30pm).
Anyone interested in attending can contact Niki Strange at niki@wiredsussex.com for more information.
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