News

90% of UK technology companies are not aware of R&D Tax Relief – and could be missing out on saving 26% of development costs.

On 30th June, R&D Tax Solutions are running a seminar at the Birmingham Research Park showing business owners how to finance innovative projects using this relief.

A tax expert and an industry specialist will present examples of qualifying business activities, industry examples, and information the HMRC require in support of a claim.

A limited number of free places are available for this seminar.

To book a seat go to:  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rd-tax-relief-for-innovative-businesses-tickets-34664911684

The seminar runs from 10.45am-12.45pm.

Birmingham Research Park,
Vincent Drive,
Birmingham,
B15 2SQ

Spinout developing novel hand-held reader to help in the fight against antibiotic resistance

Birmingham, UK (PRWEB UK) 24 May 2017 – Rainbow Seed Fund, an early-stage venture capital fund focused on building technology companies from the UK’s research base, announced today an investment into University of Birmingham spinout Linear Diagnostics. The investment was match-funded with an award from the University of Birmingham’s Spinout Investment fund and the company received a total investment of £300,000.

The investment will enable Linear Diagnostics to develop its platform technology into a handheld device that can rapidly detect the presence of bacterial infection and simultaneously identify the risk of resistance to the most commonly prescribed antibiotics, without the need for laboratory facilities. The device will provide a readout within minutes of sampling.

 

The technology is based on a novel application of a technique called linear dichroism, which uses polarized light to measure the alignment of detector molecules.

Linear dichroism has a number of advantages over current techniques: it can identify several different target types (bacteria, proteins, genes) in the same test, and provide a quantitative reading for each, from the same test sample.

The first application to be developed will be a device for the detection of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and it is envisaged that the device will be used in both primary and secondary care where it will help restrict inappropriate prescriptions and contribute to the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

 

Oliver Sexton, Investment Director for the Rainbow Seed Fund said: “Antimicrobial resistance is a global health concern, and there is a clear need for new strategies to tackle it. Rapid diagnosis can both curtail the ineffective antibiotic prescribing that fuels antimicrobial resistance, and identify the appropriate course of treatment for the individual patient.”

 

Although the technology will initially be developed for the medical sector, it can be used to address markets in the agri-food, veterinary and defence settings.

Dr James Wilkie, Director of Enterprise & Innovation at the University of Birmingham, said: “We have been impressed by the flexibility of the technology. In particular, the test is both qualitative and quantitative, which significantly increases the scope of its potential applications.”

 

Dr Matt Hicks, Chief Technology Officer and founder of Linear Diagnostics said: “The investment comes at a crucial inflexion point for the company. We have achieved proof of concept, and now have partnerships in place that will steer rapid development in an area of high unmet need, which also has a high volume of tests.”

 

Ends

 

About Linear Diagnostics  Linear Diagnostics was formed in 2011 to commercialise a patented technology developed at the University of Birmingham. The company was established as a joint venture between founders Professor Tim Dafforn and Dr Matt Hicks, Abingdon Health Ltd, and the University of Birmingham. The company is based at the BioHub Birmingham®, a purpose-built incubator facility in the Edgbaston Medical Quarter. For further company information please contact Dr Matt Hicks, Chief Technology Officer at [email protected]

 

About Rainbow Seed Fund  The Rainbow Seed Fund is an early-stage venture capital fund dedicated to kick-starting technology companies from great science emerging from the National Research & Innovation Campuses. The Fund is backed by nine UK publicly-funded research organisations including STFC, BBSRC, Dstl and NERC and the Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS). The Fund, whose portfolio comprises more than 30 companies, holds investments in some of the UK’s most innovative early-stage companies, underpinning the Government’s Industrial Strategy. The Fund invests, validates and mentors companies. It has successfully leveraged from the private sector more than 20 times its own investment and created more than 550 high-value technology jobs.

 

In 2013, Rainbow received an additional £10m investment to support the commercialisation of synthetic biology technologies, a cutting-edge discipline named by UK Government as one of “Eight Great Technologies” that support UK science strengths and business capabilities and in which Britain could be a world leader.

The Rainbow Seed Fund is managed by Midven, an established venture capital firm with a successful track record of investing in small and medium-sized enterprises. For more information, please visit http://www.rainbowseedfund.com.

For further media information please contact:

Ruth Ashton
University of Birmingham
E: [email protected]
T: 0121 414 9090

PRESS RELEASE

University of Birmingham pitches in with ambitious, high-growth companies

Pitchfest winners to share £2,000 of cash prizes

Applications are now open for Pitchfest 2017, the unique annual pitching competition that gives ambitious West Midlands companies the opportunity to raise their profile with national investors.

Pitchfest takes entrepreneurs through their paces in a series of free pitching workshops, where experienced business advisors help companies become “investment ready”. Selection panels involving investors then determine which pitches should be shortlisted for the final rounds at Venturefest West Midlands on June 27^th.

In addition to free training, this year’s heat winners will share in £1,000 of cash prizes sponsored by each of the Birmingham Research Park, Warwick Science Park, and Innovation Birmingham. The audience will then vote for their favourite out of those winners – the recipient then winning a further £1,000 cash prize sponsored by international law firm Gowling WLG.

Participation in the event is free of charge, and interested companies are urged to enter as soon as possible, so they can take advantage of the remaining pitching workshops hosted at the University’s BizzInn business incubator and Aston’s Centre for Growth in May.

David Coleman, Head of Enterprise Acceleration at the University of Birmingham commented: “The West Midlands is a base for some fabulous businesses. However, positioning your company to attract investment can be quite daunting for some, particularly if you are talking to investors for the first time.  Pitchfest is a great way of getting exposure to investors, and obtaining really constructive feedback that can help your business in all kinds of ways. ”

Pitchfest is jointly organised by Aston University, the University of Birmingham and the University of Warwick, in association with Venturefest West Midlands.

Interested companies can register at www.venturefestwm.co.uk/pitchfest or contact the Incubation Manager at the BizzInn via [email protected] for further details.

• Ends –

About the BizzInn

The BizzInn is a business incubator providing free training and support from business advisors, 24/7 office space with WiFi, hot-desks, meeting rooms, printing, free parking and subsidized refreshments..  BizzInn members also benefit from the Entrepreneurs in Residence who provide bespoke business mentoring with the aim of refining business models for early stage ventures.    For more information see www.bizzinn.org.

 

The BizzInn is supported by the Birmingham Knowledge Economy Business Incubation Partnership (BKEBIP) project which receives up to £1m of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

 

For media information contact:

Ruth Ashton,
University of Birmingham Enterprise & Innovation
E: [email protected], T: 0121 414 9090

25 April 2017: Carlton Cummins, co-founder of Aceleron, a cleantech start-up supported by the University of Birmingham’s BizzInn business incubator, has won the Shell LiveWIRE Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

The last few months have seen a snowballing of interest in Aceleron, which repurposes lithium-ion batteries from electric cars for re-use as battery power in developing countries that are in need of cheap, rechargeable energy storage.

Until recently, the company was testing its business model using batteries supplied by battery and laptop recycling companies in the Midlands. It is now making plans for a supply chain that will service demand from Central and South America for its repurposed battery packs, which will enable people in those countries to store the energy generated by solar panels, for re-use in the evening and overnight.

Dr Amrit Chandan commented: “The mass availability of cheap solar panels has enabled domestic customers in the developing world to generate their own electricity, without the need for supply from the grid.  The irony is that while there is typically enough sunlight to generate this electricity, the cost of storage solutions is prohibitive for many of these people.”

The company will meet this need, and also reduce the amount of lithium-ion battery waste exported by the UK, which currently stands at over 1,000 tonnes a year.

Aceleron, which is also participating in Pitchfest West Midlands 2017, has benefited from the support of BizzInn business incubator staff at the University of Birmingham. David Coleman, Head of Enterprise Acceleration at the BizzInn incubator commented:  “Birmingham attracts a number of really innovative and entrepreneurial people, like Carlton and Amrit.  With the right support behind them, such as that provided by BizzInn and Pitchfest, these individuals can go on to transform their ideas into really impactful high-growth businesses.”

PitchFest West Midlands 2017, which is run collaboratively between the BizzInn team at the University of Birmingham, together with Aston and Warwick Universities, has now been launched. Interested companies can register here  or contact Andrew Cruxton for further details on [email protected].

Dr Sampson Hu has been selected as one of the all-time top 50 entrepreneurs by SetSquared

Dr Sampson Hu has been selected as one of the all-time top 50 entrepreneurs by SetSquared, a leading university technology growth body.

Dr Hu, 33, set up Smart Antenna Technologies (SAT) in 2013 after completing his studies at the University of Birmingham.

SAT has invented the world’s first multi antenna system for a laptops and smartphones.

Currently smartphones and laptops have up to five separate antenna for  Bluetooth, Wi Fi and 4G connections.

SAT technology combines all those antenna into one single system and can extend battery life by up to 10%.

SetSquared Partnership, the world’s leading university technology incubator, selected Dr Hu from over 1000 entrepreneurs that the organisation has helped grow over the past 15 years.

Dr Hu was honoured by MPs at the House of Commons (Wednesday 29 March) by the SetSquared Innovation Director Simon Bond.

Dr Hu, from Birmingham said: ‘I am honoured to be recognised by the world’s leading university incubator as one of their 50 all time entrepreneurs.

‘Building SAT up from nothing has been hard work for SAT’s team and myself but it was made easier with the help from SetSquared.’

Simon Bond, Innovation Director at SETsquared, said: “When I look back on the last 15 years, I am overwhelmed by the talent and achievements of the entrepreneurs that SETsquared has supported.

“They have brought world-leading innovations to market and these have been exported across the globe. SETsquared has provided support and a network for these entrepreneurs including access to mentors, experts, international markets and investors, and they are now out there doing SETsquared and the UK proud.”

Dr Sampson Hu has been selected as one of the all-time top 50 entrepreneurs by SetSquared

 

A Birmingham healthcare company waved the British flag of innovation last week when they took part in a pioneering Medical Technology (MedTech) mission across Texas.

Based at the BioHub at Birmingham Research Park, Rightangled Diagnostics was one of six UK companies chosen to take part in the mission to showcase UK healthcare excellence.

 

The biotech company, who specialise in cardiac health, use the latest advancements in biotechnology and genetic testing in order to help patients at an increased risk of developing certain heart conditions, and to help optimise their drug prescription.

 

Throughout the week-long visit to the State, Rightangled Diagnostics visited leading health organisations across Texas in a bid to explore future partnering opportunities.

The unique visit offered the company an opportunity to connect with a variety of healthcare systems, R&D, buying and professional organisations at the highest levels. The objective was to foster new relationships and adopt cutting-edge medical technologies into the state.

For Texan-based organisations, it is an important opportunity to learn about and engage with the UK’s health system and understand how the market works.

The visit was organised by the Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI) and is supported by the UK government.

Founder and CEO of Rightangled Diagnostics Abdullah Sabyah, said: “The trip was a great experience and an invaluable opportunity to meet and network with key decision-making individuals at the highest levels inside hospitals and prominent healthcare establishments in the State. It was great to showcase Birmingham and the UK in Texas.”

Texas is the seventh largest health economy in the world and has significant ambition to be a global healthcare and life sciences player over the next decade. The tour began in Houston, before moving to Dallas and Austin.

The visit was timed to coincide with the health track of South by Southwest (SXSW) thus providing a further opportunity to meet with leaders in health and technology.

 

ENDS 

More information about the ABHI

The Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI) is the industry association for the medical technology sector in the UK.

ABHI’s mission is to champion the benefits and use of safe and effective medical technologies to deliver high quality patient outcomes. With over 250 members, the ABHI leads the advocacy of the industry in order to advance access to medical technology.

Their membership includes some of the leading multinational businesses in the sector in the UK; right the way through to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Each year, the ABHI organises the UK Pavilions at leading medical technology exhibitions including MEDICA and Arab Health.

For further information visit: www.abhi.org.uk

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SMES – INFORMATION SESSION AT BIRMINGHAM RESEARCH PARK : 30TH MARCH 2017 2—4PM

Birmingham City Council’s new £33 million Business Growth Programme (BGP) is a comprehensive business support package designed to strengthen supply chains, stimulate innovation and grow existing SMEs across Greater Birmingham and Solihull

The Business Innovation Programme is aimed at existing B2B Small to Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) investing in innovative ”close-to-market”  products and services. Capital and revenue grants are available of £10,000 to £30,000

The Business Development Programme is aimed at existing B2B Small to Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) looking to expand, relocate and improve access to markets. Capital and revenue grants are available of £10,000 to £20,000.

The HS2 Supply Chain Programme is targeted at existing B2B supply chain Small to Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) which have, or are in the process of securing, or have the ability to secure a contract for HS2.

The Green Bridge Supply Chain Programme is targeted at existing B2B Small to Medium sized Enterprises (SME) supply chain companies operating in, or expanding into the green economy, demonstrating quantifiable green benefit (i.e. energy efficiency, waste management, recycling and renewables).

Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire and The Marches Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs).

Meet the Business Development and Innovation Team and find out more at a drop in session at Birmingham Research Park: 2- 4pm. Conference Room B on the ground floor.

Discover how University of Birmingham research is solving real world problems at the

Final Showcase of the Enterprising Birmingham Innovation Competition.Three inventive finalists will pitch their ideas to a Dragons’ Den style judging panel for a £20,000 investment.

The event on Wednesday 29^th March 2017 kicks off with a buffet lunch starting at 12.30pm, before the pitching event at 2.15pm.  The awards ceremony at 4.15pm is followed by a wine reception where guests will have the opportunity to network with innovative researchers, alumni, public and private sector partners, funders, investors.

Keynote speakers include Lord Bilimoria of Chelsea, Chancellor of the University of Birmingham and Chairman of Cobra Beer, and Dr Sam Decombel who studied at the University before founding FitnessGenes, a DNA analysis platform  which provides a personalised, precision approach to diet and exercise.

Enterprising Birmingham rewards researchers who have identified a commercial opportunity for their research – and the winning entries may well be the commercial success stories of tomorrow.  Join us for an inspiring afternoon to celebrate the creativity, entrepreneurial flair and academic endeavour of the University of Birmingham.

Reserve your free ticket here.

 

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE 26 January 2017

Midlands universities showcase the “critical mass” of investment opportunity in the region

26 January 2017: The University of Birmingham and the University of Nottingham announce that they will be presenting jointly for the first time on January 26^th, at an invitation-only event held by Mercia Technologies PLC, one of the UK’s leading investors in early-stage technology companies, including university spin-out companies.

The two universities are the largest in the Midlands, and have an established agreement to collaborate on research, business engagement and internationalisation. They also have an outstanding pipeline of Intellectual Property which rivals that of the universities in the Golden Triangle.

The event aims to showcase the critical mass of investment opportunities in the Midlands, the North of England and Scotland and it will take place in Manchester’s Town Hall at 6.30pm tonight.

Dr Mark Payton, CEO of Mercia Technologies PLC, said: “This year, Mercia is bringing together its entire Group to celebrate the wealth of investment opportunities that exist in the Midlands, the North of England and Scotland.  With university partnerships across what we refer to as the capital-underserved regions of the UK, we have invested in spinout businesses from both Birmingham and Nottingham universities. We are confident that these exemplary research institutions will provide further evidence of their ability to create innovative technology businesses that are capable of boosting the economy and creating jobs.”

Dr James Wilkie, CEO of Alta Innovations, the technology transfer company for the University of Birmingham, said: “We will be touching upon a vibrant and diverse sampling from the two spin-out portfolios.  Many of the companies have disruptive technologies and all address areas of high unmet need in their respective sectors.  They also benefit from the guidance and support provided by the experienced technology transfer teams at the two universities.”

Dr Susan Huxtable, Director of IP and Commercialisation at The University of Nottingham, said: “The joint portfolios from the two universities have attracted over £200 million in investment in recent years. Successes such as the flotation of Oncimmune in May 2016 for £66 million are a concrete example of the high quality of our portfolio companies. Through this joint initiative we hope to attract even more investment, resulting in more successful flotations in the near future.”

The University of Birmingham has a portfolio which includes –

Smart Antenna Technologies: a single antenna system for mobile devices that can fit in the hinge of a laptop, reducing mobile device size, boosting battery life and reducing production costs

Linear Diagnostics: a handheld device that identifies antibiotic resistant bacteria in body fluids

Cytox: a blood-based test to predict whether an individual with Mild Cognitive Impairment will develop Alzheimer’s disease

Irresistible materials: unique carbon-based materials that deposit a layer of material at the nanometer scale, to overcome roadblocks in development of next generation of semi-conductors

BioVici: a blood-based, diagnostic test that shows whether an individual with a head injury should be treated for Traumatic Brain Injury

The University of Nottingham has a portfolio which includes –

SurePulse Medical:  a highly accurate heart rate measuring technology designed specifically for babies who need resuscitation at birth

Locate Therapeutics: a unique, thermally-active, injectable tissue scaffold that provides support for tissue repair before dissolving away

Azotic Technologies: a seed coating that enables plants to fix nitrogen from the air reducing the need for nitrogenous fertilizer and the associated pollution from run-off

Footfalls & Heartbeats:  smart knitted fabrics made with electrically conductive yarn which can measure compressive and tensile force. Applications include sports clothing, compression bandages and hospital beds.

Promethean Particles: a manufacturing process to produce nanoparticles of defined size and morphology in wet dispersions  – the wide variety of applications includes nano-copper for printed electronics.

NU Vision:  high quality, affordable biotherapies for treating ‘front of the eye’ disease and trauma

Ends

About the University of Birmingham. Alta Innovations is the technology transfer company for the University of Birmingham.  The company provides an Intellectual Property service to University academics, and manages the University of Birmingham spinout portfolio, which includes both life science and technology companies.   For further information about the University of Birmingham spinout portfolio, please contact Ruth Ashton, Communications Manager, on 0121 414 9090, 07989 558 041, or email [email protected].

About the University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham has 43,000 students and is ‘the nearest Britain has to a truly global university, with campuses in China and Malaysia modelled on a headquarters that is among the most attractive in Britain’ (Times Good University Guide 2014). It is also the most popular university in the UK among graduate employers, one of the world’s greenest universities, and winner of the Times Higher Education Award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Development’. It is ranked in the World’s Top 75 universities by the QS World University Rankings.

More information on the Nottingham portfolio is available from Nick King, Marketing Projects Manager, University of Nottingham, +44 (0)115 82 32184, or email [email protected]

About Mercia Technologies PLC

Mercia is a national investment group focused on the creation, funding and scaling of innovative businesses with high growth potential from the UK regions. Mercia benefits from 18 university partnerships and six offices across the Midlands, the North of England and Scotland providing it with access to high quality, regional deal flow. Mercia Technologies PLC is quoted on AIM with the epic “MERC”.

Mercia’s ‘Complete Capital Solution’ initially nurtures businesses via its third party funds (with more than £228.0million under management) and then over time Mercia can provide further funding to its ‘Emerging Stars’ by deploying direct investment follow-on capital from its own balance sheet.

Since its IPO in December 2014, the Company has invested over £30.0million directly across its portfolio of Emerging Stars.