Global entrepreneurial expert inspires Aberdeen innovators

Named in the Forbes 30 Under 30, known as the definitive list of young people changing the world, Paul is a serial tech entrepreneur and educator and is touring his latest book Disciplined Entrepreneurship: Startup Tactics.

Paul is the Executive Director of the Martin Trust Center for Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Entrepreneurship and Senior Lecturer at MIT Sloan, and co-delivers Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) at MIT which is globally renowned as one of the best entrepreneurial start-up programmes.  

Having taught hundreds of students at both MIT and Harvard, both recently ranked in the top four universities in the world, Paul provided valuable insights on entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial education.

Having spent time in the North East as part of his UK book tour, he said of the city: “Aberdeen’s entrepreneurial spirit and ambition is truly inspiring. The strength of its community and its dedication to innovation make it a powerful hub for driving impactful change across industries and fostering the next generation of innovation-driven entrepreneurs to advance its economic future.”

Paul led a ONE hosted an entrepreneurial ecosystem breakfast at ONE BioHub with 40 MIT EDP Alumni, venture mentoring services (VMS) mentors and North East entrepreneurs and founders from across the region’s growth sectors. He then spent some hours at RGU, leading a lunch and learn workshop at RGU’s Innovation Station with RGU Startup Accelerator participants and alumni among attendees alongside staff and students from across the University.

Donella Beaton, Vice Principal for Economic Development at RGU, said: “It’s been a privilege to welcome Paul Cheek to the University and build on the links developed with MIT over the last few years. His experience, knowledge and energy is invigorating and his MIT Entrepreneurship Development Programme is an inspiration to our own Startup Accelerator which has a growing reputation across Scotland.

“I hope that the staff, students and RGU alumni who attended the workshop left feeling as motivated as I did myself to continue their entrepreneurial journey, making an impact and thereby supporting the region to prosper.”

Jennifer Craw, CEO of Opportunity North East, said: “Hosting Paul Cheek at ONE BioHub was a fantastic opportunity to bring together the community of entrepreneurs, mentors, amplifiers and founders all who are part of building and growing the regions entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“The goal is to equip founders with the skills, tools and insights to successfully scale their businesses. MIT’s disciplined entrepreneurship and VMS mentoring models are central to our action and investment to accelerate growth, create high-skill jobs and diversify the economy in the region.”

This year’s Startup Accelerator, RGU’s own flagship entrepreneurial programme which draws inspiration from MIT, has recently received a welcome funding boost via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) through Aberdeen City Council, opening it up to potential applicants from across the North East.

The programme regularly receives over 100 applications and the 2024/25 cohort is currently open to anyone who wants to start a business in Aberdeen. It includes a five-month entrepreneurial and personal development programme followed by a Showcase event and eventual prize pot to help winners on their start-up journey.