Ten university teams in the North East have launched an innovative programme aimed at nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among local researchers and innovators. The Economic development partnership Opportunity North East (One), in collaboration with Aberdeen University and Innovate UK, has initiated the Innovation-to-Commercialisation of University Research (ICURe) scheme in the region.
The primary objective of this initiative is to spark entrepreneurship in the life sciences, digital technology, and energy sectors. The eight-week accelerator programme will offer support to early-stage businesses, enabling them to explore the commercial potential of their research and technology.
All the participating teams are from Aberdeen University, covering research areas such as health and life sciences, medical devices, digital health, aquaculture, clean technology, and energy storage. It is anticipated that the teams will acquire valuable market awareness and customer discovery skills, positioning them for future success in their respective fields.
Deborah O’Neil, the chairwoman of One’s life sciences sector board, has stressed the significance of stimulating start-ups and spinouts to drive growth in the dynamic life sciences sector. As the CEO of Aberdeen life sciences firm NovaBiotics, Ms O’Neil has highlighted the importance of the new partnership between One, the University of Aberdeen, and Innovate UK in cultivating an entrepreneurial ecosystem for life sciences in the region. This collaboration aims to utilize the resources of the national innovation agency to bolster the growth of high-value businesses and high-skilled jobs in the North East.
Last year, the £40 million One BioHub was established on the hospital campus at Foresterhill in Aberdeen, representing a significant advancement for the life sciences sector in the region. This state-of-the-art facility offers crucial support and infrastructure for businesses, as well as valuable connections between academics, health researchers, and industry partners.
The ICURe scheme has already had a substantial impact, having supported over 500 teams across the UK and contributed to the launch of more than 200 start-ups. By serving as a gateway to Innovate UK, the programme assists early-stage firms in participating in follow-on initiatives as they expand their businesses, positioning them for long-term success.
Peter Edwards, the vice-principal of regional engagement at Aberdeen University, has expressed excitement for the North East scheme, emphasizing its vital role in supporting groundbreaking projects necessary for addressing future challenges. By facilitating the transition of commercially promising ideas to the market, the programme strives to ensure that the region remains at the forefront of research and innovation.
In conclusion, the launch of the ICURe scheme in the North East represents a significant stride towards nurturing entrepreneurship and driving economic growth in vital sectors such as life sciences, digital technology, and energy. Through strategic partnerships and targeted support, the programme aims to cultivate a thriving ecosystem of innovation and commercialization, setting the stage for a prosperous future for the region’s economy.