At the University of Edinburgh it is policy to promote the commercial potential of any new ideas, discoveries or inventions arising from research, and there is an established commercialisation process for transferring them to industry through Edinburgh Innovations (EI).
A new type of cell therapy to treat patients with liver scarring, or cirrhosis, shows promise of being the first medical treatment for this common and lethal condition.
The University’s groundbreaking work in emerging engineering biology and AI-led approaches to future health was showcased recently in Boston, USA.
A clinical trial follow-up featuring patients with end-stage liver cirrhosis shows increased survival rates and fewer liver transplants in those treated with macrophage cell therapy.
Edinburgh Innovations has announced record research translation figures for the financial year 2023/24, including the launch of 127 companies, 140 patents filed and £141 million invested into University-associated companies.
The role of government is important, but universities also need to back their founders. This means funding, training and culture change, write Professors Damian Mole and Scott Webster, founders of spinout Kynos Therapeutics, and Dr Andrea Taylor, CEO of Edinburgh Innovations
The University of Edinburgh has revealed annual commercialisation figures showing strong investment in spinouts, and a majority of new companies formed to harness data and AI for public good.
