Steven Drost, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of CodeBase, has been appointed an honorary professor at the University of Edinburgh’s business school.
This appointment recognises Drost’s significant contributions to the tech startup ecosystem and his role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
CodeBase, founded in 2014, has grown to become the UK’s largest tech incubator, providing support to more than 500 businesses across 25 cities in the UK.
Under Drost’s leadership, CodeBase has played a crucial role in Edinburgh’s thriving tech scene, helping startups raise over $620 million in funding.
Drost’s expertise in “economic development via helping startups grow and corporates innovate” aligns well with the university’s focus on interdisciplinary education and research.
His appointment comes at a time when the University of Edinburgh is expanding its offerings in technology and entrepreneurship education.
The University of Edinburgh, through its Edinburgh Futures Institute, has recently launched an innovative course called “CodeBase Bridge: Playbooks for Building Startups”.
This course, delivered by CodeBase, aims to introduce postgraduate students to technology startup thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Drost’s appointment is expected to strengthen the ties between academia and the startup world, providing students with valuable insights from a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader. His experience in co-founding and leading tech startups, including Stipso Ltd., an inbound marketing and engagement solutions company, will undoubtedly enrich the learning experience for students at the business school.
This appointment highlights the growing importance of practical, industry-led education in preparing students for the rapidly evolving digital economy. It also underscores the University of Edinburgh’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among its students.