Monika Radclyffe

Plexal is an innovation consultancy working at the intersection of government, industry and academia to solve national and global challenges through technology and entrepreneurship. In this role, I lead Plexal’s Innovation Programmes division, overseeing strategy, delivery, and thought leadership across a portfolio of large-scale initiatives that support start-ups, build ecosystems, and drive inclusive growth. I manage a UK-wide team of 35+ and work closely with senior stakeholders across government, academia and the private sector. Programmes I’ve led or supported include: • NCSC For Startups – National cyber security accelerator delivered in partnership with the National Cyber Security Centre (2021–2024), resulting in a community of 70+ companies. • Cyber Runway – DSIT-funded programme supporting start-ups and scale-ups at all stages: Launch, Grow, Scale and Ignite. • Digital Growth Grant – National innovation grant led by Barclays Eagle Labs and funded by DSIT; I oversaw delivery of the Product Builder, Product Growth, and Scale Up programmes. • Airbus Accelerator – Innovation accelerator focused on space and aerospace technologies. • CyberASAP – Supporting Innovate UK on the industry-facing stream of Cyber Security Academic Startup Programme, helping spinouts commercialise cyber research. • Cyber Oman – International programme funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to support cyber skills and policy development in Oman. • Gulf Women in Cyber Fellowship – A leadership development initiative for women in the Gulf region working in cyber security, funded by the FCDO. My focus includes ecosystem design, founder support, innovation strategy, and ensuring inclusive access to entrepreneurship. Our work has been recognised with national awards and contributes directly to policy and economic development outcomes.

Mentoring on SETsquared's flagship programme 'Enterprising Women' to help women-led businesses scale and thrive.

Supporting Future Worlds incubator for University of Southampton students and researchers.

I was hired to run the SETsquared incubator and grow range of services and number of clients, as well as build out corporate innovation offering. Over time my role expanded to cover all Business Incubation & Growth activities at University of Bristol including leading QUEST, Quantum and Deep Tech Pre-incubator for UK Researchers. Key achievements include: • SETsquared ranked No. 1 by UBI, against 350+ other incubators globally in 2015, 2017 and 2019. • Awarded ‘Innovation Champion’ at ‘Launch Great West Awards’ 2019 for regional contribution. • Recognised as expert on topics of innovation, incubation, startup investment, including features on BBC West Point news and BBC Radio 4, editorial in ‘Innovate Bristol’ book, and multiple public speaking and media opportunities. • Identified diversity issues in Tech sector and launched multiple initiatives, increasing percentage of women founders from 5% to 46% without lowering or changing the entry criteria. • Launched ‘Back her Business’ programme in partnership with Natwest, to deliver a pre-incubator programme to women entrepreneurs. • Launched ‘Breakthrough Bursary’ funding incubator places for BAME entrepreneurs, helping to address ethnic diversity within the incubator.

In this role, I delivered innovative blockchain project to a Financial Services client. Designed initial scope for a proof of concept, building a team, delivering within agreed timelines and budget, and growing proof of concept into £multi-million project.

In this role, I delivered programmes to clients, including overseeing team of analysts to deliver research projects, building relationship with start-ups and facilitating introductions between start-ups and corporates. Clients included: IBM, Dell, Santander, Bauer Media Group, UKTI, Criteo, Symantec and GE Capital.

European Lead – Innovation Ecosystem (01/2013 to 09/2014) I was a founding team member of the Global Innovation Ecosystem, under direction of CEO, as part of an international team with responsibility for EMEA. I was responsible for accelerating technology innovation for Cognizant and its clients through collaboration with start-ups, Venture Capitalists and academics by running various innovation programmes. European Lead – Market Development (04/2012 to 12/2012) I was part of a brand-new team, building structure and strategy for the future, with responsibility for business development for Social, Mobility, Analytics and Cloud (SMAC) technologies across Europe.

Chitter was a start-up with a social e-commerce platform, rewarding users for sharing referral links. I was hired by the founder to focus on marketing and user acquisition strategy, working closely with technical team. The busines hasn’t secured further funding beyond seed.

Dreamstake was an online social network platform for entrepreneurs. I joined the business as Marketing Director to focus on commercialisation and, within a year, grew business to 6,000 users on the platform.

First Class Honours Degree