Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) has strengthened its innovation and commercialisation capacity with the appointment of Dr Junaid Syed as a Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) for 2026 to 2028.

The award is one of only a small number granted across the UK this year and recognises ENU’s growing leadership in applied research and industry focused innovation.

In addition, Lynne Cadenhead has been granted a third year extension to her existing Royal Society EiR residency, continuing her work to enhance entrepreneurial skills and support across the University.

Driving research impact in wireless communications

Dr Syed brings more than 30 years of experience spanning academia, defence and the wireless communications industry. His expertise covers antennas, microwave engineering, applied electromagnetics and both terrestrial and non terrestrial communication networks. These are areas of increasing global importance and central to Scotland’s connectivity ambitions.

Through his residency, running March 2026 to March 2028, Dr Syed will lead the initiative Transforming Research to Reality (R2R): Mentoring, Mobilising and Commercialising Innovation. The programme is designed to accelerate the commercial readiness and societal impact of ENU’s research, aligning closely with Scotland’s National Innovation Strategy and INVEST 2035: The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy.

Supporting researchers to take ideas to market

As EiR, Dr Syed will provide structured, hands-on support to researchers across the University, guiding them through the full commercialisation journey from early stage ideation and patenting to market analysis, designing for manufacturability and preparing for investment.

His work will include:

• Supporting new technologies - development of antennas, communication systems and AI driven network management tools
• Mentoring researchers - strengthening commercial pathways and funding applications
• Showcasing ENU research - facilitating partnerships that can lead to licensing, collaboration or spinout formation

A key focus will be enabling technologies that improve connectivity for underserved and remote communities, addressing both national priorities and global demand.

Dr Syed’s appointment is also anticipated to spark new industrial collaborations in areas such as the Internet of Things; telecommunications; Industry 5.0; artificial intelligence (AI); cybersecurity; and sustainable wireless infrastructure, drawing on his global networks and track record of successful industrial engagement.

On his appointment as EiR, Dr Syed said:

“I am honoured to join Edinburgh Napier University as a Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence. I look forward to working closely with faculty and students to help translate innovative research into real-world solutions, strengthen industry collaboration and support the development of commercially viable technologies with global impact.”

Continuing momentum in entrepreneurial leadership

Alongside Dr Syed’s appointment, Lynne Cadenhead’s EiR extension reflects the continued success and impact of her work in strengthening entrepreneurial capability across ENU. Her third year will build on established momentum in supporting women entrepreneurs, enhancing enterprise education and expanding industry engagement.

In addition, Mary Jane Brouwers continues for a second year in her EiR role, playing a key part in developing the Investing for Impact Hub with Bright Red Triangle, helping to bridge academia, industry and investment communities.

Welcoming the appointments

Welcoming the appointments, Fiona Mason, Head of Business Engagement and IP Commercialisation at ENU, said:

“We are delighted to have Dr Junaid Syed become Edinburgh Napier’s Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence. His deep industry experience and technical expertise will be invaluable in helping our researchers translate their ideas into commercially viable solutions. This award strengthens our ability to turn world-class research into real-world impact, and it reflects the growing momentum of ENU’s innovation and commercialisation activity.”

Adding to this, Nick Fannin, Head of Enterprise, said:

“In addition to Dr Syed’s appointment, we are pleased that the Royal Society has recognised the outstanding contribution of Lynne Cadenhead with a third year extension to her residency. Lynne has been instrumental in championing entrepreneurial skills across the University, particularly in empowering women entrepreneurs and supporting their pathways into innovation and enterprise.”

“Alongside this, we are delighted to see Mary Jane Brouwers continue in her EiR role, supporting the development of the Investing for Impact Hub and strengthening our enterprise ecosystem. Their combined leadership helps us build a more inclusive, confident and ambitious entrepreneurial community at ENU.”

Find out more about the Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence awards and other grants, fellowships and opportunities by visiting royalsociety.org/grants