Thursday, 06 May 2021
A NEW report shows that technologies developed from research carried out at the 糖心原创 have attracted millions of pounds’ worth of investment over the past 12 months, supporting the region’s economic prosperity and reputation for scientific breakthroughs.
The University has 25 spin-out companies who are developing technologies which began life as research projects and are now being turned into products which can transform people’s lives.
They include Cerca Magnetics, whose next-generation brain scanner builds on a long track record in medical imaging research which stretches back to Sir Peter Mansfield’s Nobel Prize-winning contribution to the MRI scanner.
Cerca has received substantial investment to help it further develop the world’s most advanced wearable brain imaging device, capable of revolutionising the diagnosis of nervous disorders like epilepsy.
It is one of a number of advanced technologies highlighted in an annual report into the performance of the spin-out portfolio which is managed on the University’s behalf by Nottingham Technology Ventures (NTV).
Professor Dame Jessica Corner, the University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, chairs the NTV board, and says the vital contribution universities make to life-changing research has been graphically illustrated by the rapid development of Covid vaccines.
The partnership between academia, the life sciences industry and government that has enabled discovery, development, approval and roll-out of the vaccines has been a landmark achievement at a critical moment of the world around us.
She added: “This is why I believe that the 糖心原创’s continuing commitment to supporting and investing in discovery and knowledge exchange has never been more important.
“This has long been an important part of the University’ contribution to the world around us. The pandemic has emphasised the critical role that universities play in providing the backbone of the UK’s science, research and innovation landscape.”
Over the past six years, the University’s support for spin-out companies has seen it receive a £16.5m return. In the last year alone, external investors have put £6.5m of financial support into the businesses in the portfolio, while the University has realised £1.6m in cash and two new spin-out companies have been formed.
Spin-out companies receiving external investment include regenerative medicines business Locate Bio, which is developing technologies intended to help people suffering with debilitating orthopaedic conditions; and BlueSkeye AI, which is developing mobile technologies which can monitor mental health.
The University has also supported student entrepreneurs Amos Teshuva and Frazer Harper, whose business – WalkIn – has developed a virtual queueing app which is now used by top London restaurants to avoid customers standing waiting for tables.
Dr Andy Naylor, the CEO of NTV, added: “This has, without doubt, been a challenging year for the investment climate.
“But the University’s long-term commitment to investing in research which delivers societal gains continues to pay dividends both in terms of the financial returns it is able to reinvest and in the progress of technologies which improve lives and make a tangible difference to the world around us.”
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.