Category Archives: Science

Business News, Cardiff News, Health, Research, Science

Genesis Biosciences joins consortium to tackle antimicrobial resistance

Genesis Biosciences has joined the COMBAT AMR consortium which aims to understand and control the emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in complex drain biofilms.

Under the leadership of Professor Jean-Yves Maillard of Cardiff University, Genesis Biosciences will collaborate with the university and other European educational institutions on the research project.

Antimicrobial resistance is a significant global challenge and is listed on the UK government’s National Risk Register as a chronic risk that poses continuous challenges. The government’s vision is for antimicrobial resistance to be contained and controlled by 2040 and it is publishing five-year national action plans to achieve this.

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when organisms that cause disease evolve and are no longer affected by antimicrobials including antibiotics, antifungal and antiviral medicines. It is a natural phenomenon but is rapidly accelerating due to factors including misuse or overuse of antimicrobials in humans and animals, environmental contamination and poor infection control practices.

Biofilms, communities of microorganisms living on surfaces, are the most common mode of bacterial growth and harbour pathogens, particularly antimicrobial and multidrug resistant pathogens. Due to their ubiquitous nature, biofilms are recognised as a major cause of antimicrobial resistance.

The COMBAT AMR consortium is studying drain biofilms from farms, healthcare settings and homes to understand the complexity of biofilms in different environments and the persistence of antimicrobial genes and multidrug resistant organisms within those biofilms.

The consortium is using a new multi-species biofilm model based on research by Dr Kate Ledwoch, Laboratory Manager at Genesis Biosciences, and fellow scientists which was published in the Journal of Hospital Infection in 2020.

The innovative model will be used during the project to measure the efficacy of several interventions to control the biofilms, explore the phenotypic characterisations of the key pathogens and establish an impact intervention to control antimicrobial resistant organisms on their resistance genes within the biofilms.

Dr Emma Saunders, General Manager at Genesis Biosciences, said: “Antimicrobial resistance is a threat to both human and animal health, impacting the ability to treat infections and ensure food security. As biofilms act as a reservoir for harmful, resistant pathogens, it is important to improve our understanding of antimicrobial genes and the impact of disinfection on complex biofilms.

“We are looking forward to working with Cardiff University and the other members of the consortium to help tackle this global challenge.”

Education, Education News, Science

The OR Society welcomes Government funding that will transform the mathematical science landscape

The OR Society, the leading membership organisation for operational researchers, welcomes funding announced by the Chancellor in last month’s Autumn Statement[i] for up to £6m over three years, for the creation of a national Academy focussed on mathematical sciences.

Commenting on the announcement, Seb Hargreaves, Chief Executive at The OR Society said: “It’s heartening to witness the Chancellor’s endorsement of the creation of an Academy that will serve as a formidable champion and ally for everyone within the mathematical sciences community.

“The creation of an Academy devoted to advancing mathematics and data skills is a positive development and we look to proactively engage our members in the many opportunities to collaborate in the future’’.

The OR Society highlight that the UK has long been a mathematical research powerhouse, with six Fields Medallists – an award often described as the mathematical equivalent of the Nobel Prize; world leading universities and a rich history of innovation.

But the potential of UK mathematical science has been hampered by fragmentation between different parts of the mathematical community, and between academics, teachers, policymakers and industry.

The new Academy seeks to change this and transform the mathematical sciences landscape, by bringing together a unified community of mathematical scientists that spans education, academia, industry and the public sector.

The creation of an Academy was a key recommendation of the 2018 Bond Review[ii], an independent review carried out by Professor Philip Bond, aimed at examining knowledge exchange in the mathematical sciences.

Following this review, mathematical groups and individual mathematicians in the UK, coordinated by the Council for Mathematical Sciences (CMS), have been working to develop what such an Academy might look like – akin to the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) or the Academy of Medical Sciences (AcMedSci).

The OR Society has been actively involved in the set up phase as a ‘proto Academy’. The proto Academy conducted a consultation in May 2023 to assist in informing and shaping its development, as well as identifying the initial priorities for the Academy.

Many members contributed to this consultation and together with their Research Committee, The OR Society submitted a consolidated response.

Dr Gilbert Owusu, President at The OR Society said: “I am pleased to see the Academy taken forward with the financial backing required. The establishment of a national Academy will bring together key players in the mathematical sciences, amplifying influence and cultivating cohesion in tackling numerous challenges, many of which operational research has a significant role to play.’’

For more information about The OR Society visit www.theorsociety.com.

[i] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/science-innovation-and-technology-backed-in-chancellors-2023-autumn-statement

[ii] https://www.ukri.org/publications/the-era-of-mathematics/

News, Science, Space

Brits don’t know their Uranus from their Venus – half of Brits admit they know nothing about the universe, according to new research

A staggering 49 percent of Brits admit they know nothing about space, according to a new survey from Livat Hammersmith ahead of the launch of the SpaceLab, giving the whole family a passport to space through a series of interactive and educational activities at the meeting place.

The research reveals that 61 percent of Brits have no idea how many planets are in our solar system, with one in five of those polled (20 percent) insist there are nine instead of the correct number of eight.

According to the study, 14 percent of the nation were unable to name ANY planets at all, while a significant three quarters (76 percent) had no idea that Neptune is the farthest planet from the Sun.

One in five (22 percent) think that astrology (the study of the movements and positions of the sun, moon, planets, and stars in the belief that they affect the character and lives of people) is just another word for astronomy (the scientific study of the universe and of objects that exist naturally in space). 33 percent admit they have more knowledge about astrology and horoscopes than the universe.

When it comes to extraterrestrial life, a third (33 percent) think it exists beyond Earth, with 16 percent believing aliens have already visited Earth. Three percent say they have seen a UFO.

Nearly half (48 percent) aren’t able to identify any of the major stars or star patterns, yet more than half (56 percent) said they feel in awe when they look up into the vastness of the night sky.

“Despite our study showing that 85 percent wished they knew more about astronomy and space, while more than half (55 percent) admitted that they find space interesting and fascinating (49 percent), the research also shows the relatively little we know about space. With the launch of the SpaceLab, we’re aiming to change that, and show that what happens beyond Earth’s walls is there to be both learnt and explored in equal measure.” says Anna Larsen, Marketing Manager at Ingka Centres.

The research also found that only a tenth (12 percent) would be able to identify Ursa Major – known as the plough – dropping to just eight percent for Ursa Minor – the little Bear.

In fact, 37 percent admitted they had no idea what Ursa Minor was, while three percent of those quizzed thought it might be a musical note rather than a pattern of stars.

When it came to the brightest star, just 38 percent said they would be able to locate the North Star, while only 25 percent could find the constellation of Orion.

A third (33 percent) have no idea when man landed on the moon (it was 1969) with nearly one in three (29 percent) thinking it happened in another year or not knowing at all.

A confused three percent went a step further and claimed the moon landings never happened at all and were actually a hoax.

10 percent thought that Buzz Aldrin was the first person to walk on the moon and utter the famous words ‘one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind’ and not Neil Armstrong.

One in twenty (four percent) think that Nebula is a medical condition rather than a formation of gas and particles which gives off light, while a fifth (20 percent) believe the Earth revolves around the moon, instead of the other way round.

A whopping 92 percent believe that everyone should have a basic understanding of the universe around them, even though for 86 percent the thought of endless space baffles them.

Natalia Petelina, Meeting Place Manager at Livat Hammersmith added: “To help inspire a better understanding of space and the world around us, Livat Hammersmith will open the SpaceLab this week, specially designed to encourage parents, children and visitors to unite under the planets and stars and explore beyond the Earth’s walls. The activities in SpaceLab are for all ages, those curious and young at heart, and are sure to be a galactic hit with parents in London”.The SpaceLab will be on at Livat Hammersmith from Monday 23rd – Saturday 28th October.

Research of 2,000 Britons was commissioned by Livat Hammersmith and was conducted by Perspectus Global in October 2023.

 

Data & Analytics, News, Science

The OR Society launches 75th Anniversary campaign to celebrate the past, present, and future of OR and attract next generation of OR specialists

The OR Society, the UK member-led organisation supporting professional operational researchers across industries and academia globally, is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

To mark the event, it has launched a new campaign, “This is OR,” to raise awareness and understanding of the transformational impact of OR and systems thinking in business and society and to attract a new generation of graduates and professionals to OR careers.

The campaign will kick off at OR65, the OR Society’s annual conference, at the University of Bath on 12-14 September 2023. The conference will bring together hundreds of academic and professional operational researchers and other analysts to present the latest developments and showcase real-world applications. They will discuss key topics including how AI and machine learning is being used in business, how systems thinking and modelling can be applied to make predictions in business or to solve pressing issues such as emergency department congestion, ambulance priorities, scheduling and waiting lists or used in cancer diagnosis, as well as the role OR plays in driving effective strategic business decision making.

The OR Society’s President Gilbert Owusu said, “We are excited to launch our 75th anniversary campaign to increase the understanding of OR and how it is applied in industry to solve some of the world’s most complex problems.  With demand for people skilled in data analytics, maths and computer science rising rapidly, we want to showcase the many and varied interesting career opportunities in OR to attract students and graduates in business management and sciences, and those already working in data science and analytics. The OR Society can offer a wealth of resources, courses, scholarships, publications and networking opportunities to support them.”

According to Glassdoor[i], the average salary of an operational researcher in the UK is around 43K, but senior professionals can earn far more. Demand for OR specialists is also expected to grow rapidly. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of operations research analysts is projected to grow 23% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations[ii].

Seb Hargreaves, Executive Director, The OR Society said, “The OR Society wants to be a ‘vibrant, visible and valued’ membership organisation that appeals to the next generation. We need more OR specialists to address the complex challenges facing our world. Our 75th anniversary campaign is a chance to raise awareness of OR to encourage more people to pursue careers in this exciting field. Throughout the year, we will be highlighting how OR analysts apply their skills in mathematics, statistics, and computer science to solve real-world problems and help organisations make better decisions.”

The campaign will also shine a light on the origins of OR in World War II when scientists used mathematical and statistical methods to improve military operations, as well as how OR and systems thinking is applied today in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, sports, transportation, logistics, and manufacturing.

The campaign will feature a variety of activities, including:

  • A series of webinars and events to showcase the latest developments in OR
  • A MSc scholarship competition for students interested in pursuing a career in OR
  • The promotion of The OR Society’s Pro Bono work with leading charities
  • A dedicated OR in education programme to engage school children

The OR Society is confident that the “This is OR” campaign will help to attract a new generation of graduates to this exciting and rewarding field.

Learn more about The OR Society and its 75th anniversary campaign at: www.theorsociety.com.

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References

[i] https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/operational-researcher-salary-SRCH_KO0,22.htm

[ii] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/operations-research-analysts.htm#:~:text=Employment%20of%20operations%20research%20analysts,on%20average%2C%20over%20the%20decade.

Appointments, News, Science

International appointment for Genesis set to cultivate customer network

Genesis Biosciences has welcomed a new appointment, Lawrence Keen, to its growing sales team as the company looks to expand its customer network across the UK and Ireland.

Lawrence’s rich experience in the science and sales fields, gained throughout his career overseas, will come together to mark his first position in a science and sales collaboration.

Lawrence will play a crucial role in day-to-day business and sales development by managing UK accounts for Genesis’ European Team in Cardiff, as well as identifying new customers with whom to develop relationships and foster further opportunities.

Graduating from Queen’s University Belfast with a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science, Lawrence continued his interest with an MSc in Cell Biology from the Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, China. Maintaining a base in China and with his knowledge of Mandarin, he was appointed Sales Director for Norwegian Fine Food and Spirits and was responsible for managing the company’s communications across Asia which equipped him perfectly for the management of Genesis Biosciences’ affiliates across the globe.

 

Lawrence’s appointment at Genesis is the perfect union of his two passions and skill sets.

Lawrence said: “I feel very grateful for such a valuable opportunity; joining a talented, innovative team while combining scientific research and commercial goals. I can’t wait to meet an interesting array of people through networking and expanding our customer base, whilst also liaising with existing clients across our focused industries.

“Moving to Genesis was the perfect opportunity for me. I’ve found it to be an incredibly rewarding experience already after admiring such intricate work, to being able to see how my efforts contribute to a greater purpose.”

 

Dr. Emma Saunders, General Manager at Genesis Biosciences, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Lawrence to the team and are excited to see the new opportunities he can bring. As a global company, we value our international relations, and having Lawrence join the team will aid us substantially in strengthening new and current connections.”

Genesis Biosciences recently announced a partnership with global consumer product manufacturer, Unilever, to help transform the cleaning industry through groundbreaking product and technological innovation. For further information, about Genesis, its work and the sustainable products it creates, visit www.genesisbiosciences.co.uk.

Birmingham, Engineering, Manchester, News, Science

Birmingham-based engineering giant adi Group opens new Life Sciences division in Manchester

UK engineering firm, the adi Group, is continuing to strengthen its position in the marketplace with the launch of a new Life Sciences Division, it can be announced today.

The Group, which has a HQ in Birmingham and operates across 12 sites in the UK and Ireland, said the launch forms part of an exciting new phase in their ongoing development.

Via a new Manchester-based Division, from today the team at the adi Group will be working to directly support the requirements of the global life sciences industry.

The Division – based at Ashton Old Baths, Tameside, is made up of 13 people and two more will be joining in September.

Those spearheading the division’s output will be offering groundbreaking end-to-end project servicing capabilities which focus on the creation and management of sophisticated environments.

They will focus on delivering vital medical products that can be produced safely, compliantly, and sustainably.

The Division will utilise cutting-edge digital twin technology, where the team will essentially have a virtual representation of the client’s project.  This will allow them to make concept changes within the virtual world before making a decision in real life.

The adi Group say this will not only mitigate risk, but also provide a shared collaborative environment with real-time yield data where all parties can view and assess progress.

This, in turn, will deliver clients with an opportunity to adjust parameters to meet the demands of the project as and when required.

Commenting on the launch of the new Division, Darren Lewis, who was recently appointed managing director and head of adi Life Sciences division, said: “I’m excited to be leading the new division, which is backed by an elite team of high-quality professionals.  This is an exciting new branch to add to an already largely established engineering firm with various divisions across a wide range of major industries in the engineering and manufacturing sectors.

“It was an opportunity to bring a high-performing team of like minded people to an already established and successful business. The basis of adi Group has always been to provide a service with a multifaceted end-to-end approach, and we want to utilise those values for the new division to become a single point of responsibility for our clients.”

Mr Lewis, who has 30 years of experience in Pharma, said his aim is for the adi Group  to be the “partner of choice” in the life sciences sector. He also wants to deliver sophisticated solutions via efficient and effective designs aligned with the requirements and end goal of the clients.

Paul Smith, Chief Operating Officer of the adi Group, added:  “I’m thrilled to see a new team of progressive, technologically advanced experts within life sciences – the potential is enormous, bringing a service offering to the market that is entirely new and which conceptualizses the production of the life-saving medical products of tomorrow.”

The new division has been set up in Manchester-based offices that have been acquired to provide an innovative and modern space for the new team.

It becomes the second office in the North-West for adi Group, which is headquartered in the West-Midlands, but has primary hub offices across the UK and Ireland and project offices across a range of all the regions.

The adi Group has previous experience and partnerships working with 15 out of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies in the world , and has delivered a variety of projects across many years.

 

Business Advice, Science, Start Ups

Breaking Barriers To Entry: Start-Up Labs And The Benefits Of Equipment Leasing

Starting a lab is a significant undertaking that, while rewarding, can come with a set of challenges. Among these, the steep cost of acquiring and maintaining laboratory equipment often stands as a formidable hurdle.

This barrier to entry can pose a significant setback, especially if your start-up has limited capital. However, a cost-effective solution exists to help you overcome this challenge: equipment leasing. 

This article will explore how leasing laboratory equipment can propel your start-up lab towards success. It’ll also share the different leasing plans you can take advantage of to get the best of this practice.

Equipment Leasing 101

When you’re setting up a new lab, you may need equipment like microscopes, centrifuges, and more. While essential, the cost of purchasing this equipment outright can be prohibitive. This is where the option to rent a microscope or other lab equipment comes into play. 

There are several leasing options available, each with its own benefits and considerations.  

Leasing Options For Start-Up Labs 

Here are the most common leasing options:

  • Operating/Fair Market Value Lease 

This alternative allows you to rent equipment for a specified period, typically shorter than the equipment’s useful life. At the end of the lease, you can choose to return the equipment, renew the lease, or purchase the equipment at its fair market value. 

Operating leases are ideal if you want to keep up with the latest technology and plan to upgrade regularly. 

  • Finance Lease 

Also known as a capital lease, this option operates more like a loan. You make regular payments over a specified period, and you own the equipment at the end of the lease. This option is suitable if your end goal is to own the equipment. 

  • Sale And Leaseback 

In this arrangement, you sell your already-owned equipment to a leasing company and then lease it back. This option can free up capital tied up in owned equipment while still allowing you to use the equipment. 

  • Master Lease 

This option allows you to lease various pieces of equipment under one contract, potentially from different suppliers. It’s useful if you need to acquire a range of equipment but want to manage it all under one agreement. 

  • Deferred Payment Lease 

This option allows you to defer the start of your lease payments for a certain period, often three to six months. This option can be advantageous when you require equipment immediately but are waiting for funding or revenue to come in. 

Benefits Of Equipment Leasing

Equipment leasing offers several advantages that can help your start-up lab overcome these barriers to entry: 

  1. Leasing allows you to spread the equipment cost over a while rather than paying a large sum upfront. This can significantly improve your cash flow and free up capital for other critical business areas. 
  2. Leasing allows you to use the most up-to-date equipment without the financial burden of purchasing it. As technology advances, you can upgrade your equipment to stay at the forefront of your field. 
  3. The leasing company bears the risk of equipment becoming obsolete, not your lab. This means you can focus on your research without worrying about depreciating equipment. 
  4. Many leasing companies offer comprehensive maintenance and support services. This means you won’t have to shoulder the cost or stress of repairs if something goes wrong. 

These are the general benefits that your startup can enjoy if it leases equipment.

Best Practices When Leasing Lab Equipment 

Following some best practices when leasing lab equipment can maximize your agreement’s benefits. Here are some key points to keep in mind: 

  1. Before entering into a lease agreement, have a clear understanding of your lab’s specific needs. Consider the type of research you’ll be conducting, the equipment you’ll need, and how often you’ll use it. 
  2. Not all leasing companies are created equal. Do your homework and choose a reputable company that understands the needs of start-up labs. 
  3. Make sure you understand all the terms and conditions before signing. Pay particular attention to the lease duration, payment terms, and what happens at the end of the lease. 
  4. Ideally, your lease agreement should include maintenance and support services. This can save you significant time and money in the event of equipment malfunction.

By following these best practices, you can make the best of your equipment leasing experience.

 

Final Thoughts 

The right tools are crucial for your lab’s success. So, whether you need to rent a microscope or lease an entire lab equipment suite, leasing emerges as a cost-effective solution.  

It’s always a good idea to consult with a financial advisor or leasing expert to understand which option is the most beneficial for your circumstances.

 

Healthcare, News, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Science

15 years of success for South-Wales company that’s become the UK’s largest supplier of human tissue

After overseeing a journey that has taken him from a team of just three, to becoming the UK’s largest privately owned tissue bank, Founder and Chairman of Hospital Innovations, Phil Davies, is leading the company’s 15th anniversary celebrations.

During a successful 25-year career in orthopaedics, Phil became the first person to bring human soft tissue to the UK in 2002, and six years later, in January 2008, Hospital Innovations was launched.

 

Talbot Green headquartered Hospital Innovations is a Human Tissue Authority (HTA) licensed supplier of specialist products, including human tissue and specialist medical instruments, used in orthopaedic and corrective surgeries, working in partnership with five of the world’s leading tissue banks.

Founder and Chairman of Hospital Innovations Phil DaviesPhil said: “Back in the early 2000s, tissue work was virtually unheard of. Surgeons in the US were doing it, but as far as soft tissue, such as ligaments and skin, there was just nothing like it in the UK.

“It was clear from the very first order that surgeon demand was going to increase for this type of medical technology. I quickly assembled a small team of just three people and rented a facility in St Mellons. We’re now a team of 30 and have been operating out of our Talbot Green location since 2013.”

Hospital Innovations was the first company to introduce an allograft (tissue taken from another person) return service into the UK, which is now a standard expectation across the industry. Phil said: “Previously, if the tissue we sent out didn’t get used, because an operation didn’t go ahead for example, it would simply be destroyed.

“We knew that this level of waste was wholly unacceptable, so we said, ‘we’ve got to find a way that we can send tissue out on a Thursday for an operation on a Friday morning, and if that operation doesn’t go ahead, on the Friday afternoon the tissue is sent back to us and is perfectly reusable.

“Many thought it couldn’t be done, but after rigorous testing and consultation, we demonstrated that where there is a will, we will find a way.”

 

The company was also the first to use tissue from solely deceased donors, whereas the industry standard previously was to use tissue from living donors i.e bone that was removed during a hip replacement. Calling it the ‘gift of life’, Phil says: “The tissue we provide comes from someone’s loved one. It’s an incredibly precious commodity and the people we employ really buy into and understand this. That’s why we are so passionate about minimising wastage and are proud to have saved the NHS more than £10m in wasted grafts since we introduced our allograft return service in 2011.”

 

Looking forward to the future of the company and the industry as a whole, Phil added: “We’ve spent the last 15 years mainly working within the orthopaedic field, but our customer base is growing and we’re increasingly moving into other fields, such as Maxillofacial (Maxfax) surgery and Oncology, as they see the benefits and uses for quality human tissue.

“We’re also widening our portfolio with an increasing array of complimentary products, such as specialist instruments, anchors and sutures. Providing these specialist products under the same roof will undoubtedly increase efficiency for the surgeon and hospital staff, ultimately delivering better outcomes for patients.

“In 2021 we opened a second facility in London to serve the increasing demand in the South-East, and I see us expanding throughout the rest of the UK in the coming years. We now have a direct sales specialist in Scotland for the first time in our history, as well as having representation in every other region in the UK, and so we’re very proud of our truly national network.

“Innovation always has been and will continue to be the key to our success, and so with some very exciting developments within the company and throughout the industry as a whole, the future is looking very bright indeed.”

For more information, visit www.hospitalinnovations.com.

 

Investment, Investment News, Science, Start Ups, Technology

University-supported innovators invited to pitch companies at showcase events

Founders of University of Edinburgh-supported start-ups, including many that are seeking growth investment, will be given the opportunity to showcase their companies to an audience of investors, business support groups, and fellow entrepreneurs at two key events taking place next month.

Ten early-stage companies from the University’s Venture Builder Incubator (VBI) 3.0 cohort will be invited to pitch at a Showcase on 3 March. This will include four companies looking at innovative forms of cancer research and treatment that are taking part in the VBI through its partnership with Cancer Research Horizons.

Meanwhile, 12 innovative AI-driven companies will also present their businesses at the AI Accelerator Showcase being staged on 22 March. The companies are all currently participating in the University’s six-month AI Accelerator programme where they benefit from access to training and mentoring to enhance founders’ commercial skills and develop their business proposition.

The VBI programme supports PhD students and post doctorates from The University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University and other parts of the UK, helping them build their skills and transform their research into a relevant and viable business proposition. It features 23 early-stage companies which are focused on addressing key societal challenges including the climate emergency, enterprise optimisation, cancer remedies and other health and well-being issues.

Each venture is provided with £2K and supported through a series of workshops, networking events, mentoring, peer to peer learnings and access to The University of Edinburgh’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and its data expertise. This year’s cohort, which is once again supported by Barclays Eagle Labs, includes Carbon Glance, a data integration platform that makes it easier for companies and investors to measure exposure to carbon pricing; Morph.ai, a digital pathology company transforming breast cancer diagnostics; and GambitBio, developers of a lateral flow test that detects early-stage cancer.

 

Laura Bernal, Venture Builder Incubator Programme Manager, said: “The VBI Showcase will provide founders behind early-stage ventures with an ideal platform to present and further develop their innovation into a viable business. It also offers participants a great opportunity to build their commercial contacts and make valuable connections.”

 

Participants in the AI Accelerator programme, which is supported by Huawei, are founders of innovative, scale-up companies with many focused on using ‘AI for good’ as well as those seeking to address specific health and climate issues. They receive a £9K grant and get access to commercial expertise and collaboration opportunities benefitting from the University of Edinburgh’s position as a world leader in AI research.  

Those taking part in the current AI Accelerator include Danu Robotics, developers of a revolutionary robotic waste sorting product; MindTrace, a US-based company which has created a clinical decision support tool that reduces uncertainty associated with neurosurgery; Easy Rice, a company focused on digitalising staple food industries and promoting sustainability for all stakeholders along the food supply chain; and Inicio AI, which has built an affordability tool to help individuals in debt to better manage their finances.

Katy Guthrie, Programme Leader of AI Accelerator said: “The AI Accelerator Showcase will support our 12 AI-driven cohort companies providing them with an opportunity to promote their business to an audience of potential investors and grant funders as well as fellow entrepreneurs. The event is designed to support growth for these innovative, emerging companies and help them maximise their global potential.”

 

The VBI and AI Accelerator are delivered by the University of Edinburgh’s world-leading Innovation Hub for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, the Bayes Centre, and supported by Edinburgh Innovations, the University of Edinburgh’s commercialisation service. It is delivered on behalf of the Data-Driven Innovation Hubs, in contribution to the Data-Driven Entrepreneurship programme

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For more information on the Venture Builder Incubator event or to book tickets, please visit:

https://events.irm.ed.ac.uk/Events/Event/7015J000000AMx4

 

For more information on the companies attending AI Accelerator or to book tickets, please visit: 

https://events.irm.ed.ac.uk/Events/Event/7015J000000AMy7   

Business, Healthcare, News, Science

Secretary of State for Wales visits the Cardiff-based Jellagen hub driving revolutionary regenerative treatments

The Secretary of State for Wales, the Rt Hon David TC Davies MP, yesterday visited the South Wales-based headquarters of Jellagen – the Cardiff-founded biotech company that is leading the world in revolutionary regenerative medicine, through its radical approach to harnessing the benefits of advanced collagen biomaterials derived sustainably from jellyfish.

The visit follows an £8.7M Series A equity investment in this transformative medtech innovator, by Cardiff Capital Region, Development Bank of Wales, Thai Union Group PCL and existing shareholders – enabling Jellagen to accelerate its pioneering program of product development, towards human trials and regulatory filing.

Welsh Secretary David TC Davies, said:

“The fast-evolving Welsh Medtech sector is rightly growing a global reputation and it was fantastic to meet the Jellagen team and see the incredible work they are doing.

“The UK Government has invested £500M in the Cardiff Capital Region with the aim of developing a vibrant local economy and boosting the skills and jobs of the future. Jellagen is a great example of Welsh innovation and ambition – and it is exciting to see government funds supporting work which is at the cutting edge of its field.”

 

Thomas-Paul Descamps, CEO of Jellagen, warmly welcomed the Welsh Secretary’s enthusiastic support:

“We are delighted to be recognised by the UK Government for the paradigm shift being made through the Jellagen platform in accelerating the medical development of Collagen Type 0. Our progress represents a major milestone in being able to use sustainable collagen biomaterial for a whole range of skin diseases and tissue reconstruction, through innovative devices – and our team is particularly delighted to welcome the Welsh Secretary, given his keen interest in promoting innovation in Wales and championing investment from both domestic and international investors.

“We are proud to be part of this unique Welsh ecosystem – and thrilled by the support given to Jellagen as a future global medical devices and biomaterial leader based in Wales.”

 

Rhys Thomas, Chief Operating Officer of Cardiff Capital Region (CCR), noted the collaborative approach typified by the Secretary of State for Wales’ visit to South East Wales:

“CCR’s investment in Jellagen reflects our belief in the incredible potential of their technology platform, and the benefits this will bring to our Region through future manufacturing scaleup. It’s highly encouraging to see how a Cardiff-born enterprise is growing from strength-to-strength here in the Region – and wonderful to witness how CCR’s close collaboration with UK Government, Welsh Government, private sector partners and the wider investment community is creating highly innovative and sustainable applications for use around the world.

“Preclinical results have proven that Collagen Type 0 can negate the use of mammals in the development process, decreasing the risk of disease and virus transfer – and we are delighted to be part of a major breakthrough that enhances the wellbeing of patients requiring tissue reconstruction or treatment for skin disease.”

About Jellagen

Jellagen Ltd is a medical biotechnology company manufacturing next-generation Collagen Type 0 for medical and scientific research applications. Our strategic mission is to commercialise marine-sourced collagen based upon its many advantages over mammalian sources, while also exploring new therapeutic opportunities which arise from the unique qualities of Collagen Type 0 as a biomaterial.

The Jellagen business model is based upon a deep belief in building sustainable sources for critical biomaterials which do not carry the environmental and human health risks of traditional collagen sources. Our research and development strategy focuses on establishing partnerships with medical institutions of the highest reputation to investigate the use of Collagen Type 0 as a treatment for skin diseases and as a biomaterial for tissue reconstruction.

Founded in Cardiff, Wales in 2015, Jellagen is already marketing a range of next-generation Collagen Type 0 products for research use, while also developing clinical-grade formulations for therapeutic and medical device applications. Based on the pioneering research of Professor Andrew Mearns Spragg, collagen in Jellagen’s products is extracted from Rhizostoma pulmo, an ancient species of large jellyfish common to the Irish Sea. Peer-reviewed published research as well as the company’s own application-specific advisory papers demonstrate the significant advantages of Collagen Type 0 over mammalian collagen for both research and medicine.