
Dr Geoffrey Knott
Biography
I studied BSc Astrophysics, Aberystwyth Uni (2013). I went onto MSc Space Science & Engineering, UCL (2014), then PhD Spacecraft Engineering, Surrey (2018) during which I took my first steps into the world of start-ups and business through Surrey's Student Enterprise: learning about business model canvas, value propositions, pitch practice, etc. It opened my mind to another world of rich experiences and opportunities to have a positive impact. Following achieving seed funding from Surrey - after 3 failed attempts - I set up my first business with a couple of friends (also Surrey students), HOP® (2018) which uses edible insects as a sustainable, high-quality alternative protein source in sports nutrition products. I worked on HOP® and established a couple more start-ups during my PostDoc (2018-21) and Covid.
I have been working in Innovation Strategy at Surrey since May 2021 and manage Surrey’s Commercialisation Fellowship programme: an internal secondment which gives PostDocs and Lecturers hands-on experience with impactful projects through the University (case studies here). I am increasingly focused on supporting PhD Student entrepreneurship and start-ups: see our PGR IAA Officers programme
University roles and responsibilities
- Commercialisation Fellowship
- Supporting PhD Student entrepreneurship and start-ups
- Scoping out social science commercialisation