University of Birmingham Enterprise

We are pleased to celebrate a significant milestone for water generation technology start-up NovNat Tech, as they take the next step and move from our specialised incubation space, Unit 9, into bigger premises to accommodate their growing success. The team is not moving far - their new lab is close to Unit 9 at Birmingham Research Park, with more room for prototyping facilities and collaborative workspace, allowing NovNat Tech to expand their R&D and bring their technologies to market more quickly. Abdulbari Belouafi, CEO of NovNat Tech said: “Being in our new space fills me with a sense of excitement and possibility. It's not just about the physical infrastructure; it's about the opportunities it represents for growth and impact. I'm looking forward to seeing our team thrive in this environment, pushing the boundaries of what's possible and realizing our vision for a world where water is accessible to all.” NovNat’s co-founders Abdulbari, Kamal Diab and Ibrahim Albaik met as graduate researchers before developing their novel technology. Abdulbari and Ibrahim attended the B Enterprising Elevate programme, an incubator and business growth programme for University of Birmingham student and graduate start-ups, where they received advice and mentoring.  Following this they moved into Unit 9, where they received further support including access to research facilities, mentoring and networking opportunities. The company secured funding from Innovate UK while at Unit 9.  As part of the Birmingham Research Park community, NovNat will continue to benefit from access to the knowledge base and facilities at the University. Abdulbari said: “Being part of the Birmingham Research Park community is immensely rewarding. It's a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship, where ideas are nurtured, and collaborations flourish. We're grateful for the connections we've made and the opportunities for growth and learning that being part of this community provides.” Angie Reynolds, COO at University of Birmingham Enterprise said: “I'm delighted to see NovNat Tech’s growth story continuing here at Birmingham Research Park. This is what our ecosystem is all about! Congratulations to Bari, Ibrahim and Kamal.” More information about Unit 9 is available at: https://lnkd.in/e3FQvwiw More information about support and facilities at Birmingham Research Park is at: https://lnkd.in/ei3mPexW #watergeneration #healthtech #businessincubation #startup #innovation John Cooke | Rizwan M, BA (Hons), MSc, PRINCE2®

A University of Birmingham led team has, for the first time, produced a recyclable resin from bioscourced materials for 3D printing, that can print at high resolution and then be broken back down to its constituent parts, recycled and reprinted, with the addition of just a small amount of photoinitiator to maintain the material’s curable properties. The feedstock for the process is made from lipoic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid molecule that is commonly sold as a dietary supplement. The basic materials commonly used in photopolymer resins (epoxies or acrylics) come from petrochemical feedstocks, and although some progress has been made in the use of more sustainable resins derived from biomass, the recyclability of these is still limited. Professor Dove said: “Our approach is an important step away from relying on 3D-printable resins made from petrochemicals, which cannot be efficiently recycled. While we still have improvements to make to the properties of the new resin, this research opens up exciting new avenues for development.” University of Birmingham Enterprise has filed a patent application covering the resin and its use in 3D printing.  For IP or licensing enquiries contact Jon R.. Press release at: https://lnkd.in/eBTSxsu9 Paper at: https://lnkd.in/eFaRHDqx #3dprinting #sustainablematerials #innovation #additivemanufacturing #circulareconomy #closedloopproduction #sustainabilty #polymers Jerel W. | Joshua C. Worch

Dominik Werner, CEO of EvoPhase, is presenting at CHEMUKEXPO Expo next Thursday (16 May). He will reveal a case study conducted by Roberto Hart-Villamil, which offers a first look at the capabilities of EvoPhase Explore, the company’s future Software-as-a-Service platform. In this case study, the technology was used to optimise the geometry of a ploughshare mixer in laminar flow conditions for enhanced axial mixing.    The case study explored a technology inspired by natural selection, which iteratively tests and refines designs to identify the optimal solution. This method is part of EvoPhase’s toolkit for enhancing the performance of existing and new process equipment, focusing on industrial-scale mixing, grinding, and coating.    Dominik said, “The diverse and local nature of ChemUK Expo made it the ideal venue to explore the potential impact of our technology during ICURe a year ago. We are now thrilled to return as a company, eager to further expand our networks.”    EvoPhase launched last year using a unique model of commercialisation known as an Operating Division, which allows industry rapid access to flexible, cutting-edge services from the University of Birmingham’s academic innovators.      Its AI-led ‘evolutionary design’ approach is applicable to a diverse range of process equipment, including mills, dryers, roasters, coaters, fluidised beds, stirred tanks.   Dominik’s presentation ‘Unlocking mixing improvements by AI driven geometry optimisation’ takes place on Thursday 16th May at 1pm.    You can find out more about EvoPhase at https://evophase.co.uk/     To find out more information about our Operating Divisions go to https://bit.ly/3JVTsyE or contact Vincent Coole at University of Birmingham Enterprise. #chemuk #chemicalengineering #simulationtechnology #DEM #ai #indurtrialprocessing #granularmaterials #processoptimisation #CFD #mixing #highperformancecomputing #simulation Kit Windows-Yule Andrei Leonard Nicusan Jack Sykes Steve Ellis

We are pleased to welcome Tracey A. Perry, the new Translation Manager for Cancer Research Horizons and University of Birmingham Enterprise.   As part of the Intellectual Property and Commercialisation team, Tracey will be supporting the translation of oncology projects across the university. Tracey brings over 15 years of drug development and research experience in academia and in US and UK biotech start-ups. She joins us from Theolytics, a spin-out from the University of Oxford, developing oncolytic virus therapies for cancer.    Outside of work, Tracey is an amateur crocheter and a professional mom who loves science, vintage fashion, and the Cleveland Browns.    Tracey earned her PhD in Cancer Immunology at the University of Birmingham with Professor Pamela Kearns and Professor Paul Murray.   You can read more about University of Birmingham Enterprise here: https://lnkd.in/eiXWXNca #ip #cancerreasearch #oncology #biotech #startups #entprepreneurship #drugdevelopment #translationalresearch Cancer Research UK (CRUK) | Jerel W.

Exciting News! Our Academic Consultancy Project Manager Dr Alex Seabright, PhD will be attending the 2024 ASTP Annual Conference in Seville, Spain from the 22 May to the 24 May.   Alex, who has a PhD in molecular physiology and cell signalling, joined University of Birmingham Enterprise a year ago, following a spell at Oxford spinout Evox Therapeutics Ltd.    ASTP promotes knowledge transfer best practice and is focused on improving the quality of impact that public research has on the economy and society. The conference is an opportunity to engage with Europe’s knowledge transfer community and learn from peers and partners, and Alex’s attendance has been made possible thanks to an Inteum Company, LLC Scholarship which covers part of the costs associated with conference participation.   Alex said, “ I’m looking forward to meeting colleagues from around the world to discuss and reflect on how we can best work with academics and businesses through consultancy and knowledge transfer.”   Alex will also be happy to share information on University of Birmingham Enterprise’s unique EnterpriseOD™ model, which offers a flexible, comprehensive solution for researchers wishing to trial their service on the market without the risks associated with launching a new company. Reach out to connect with Alex ahead of ASTP Annual Conference 2024 and please do say hello to him if you are there.   You can read more about EnterpriseOD ™ at University of Birmingham here: https://lnkd.in/gDC3GhSc #kt #tt #astp4kt #astp24 #consultancy #astp #KE #AC24 #knowledgetransfer #technologytransfer #knowledgeexchange #spinouts Vincent Coole | Siobhan Daniels

Researcher Dr Jason Stafford has developed a high-throughput device to unlock the potential of nanomaterials such as graphene and related 2D materials using a sustainable mechanochemical approach. The device is a fully automated, parallel synthesis unit that can be programmed to produce a series of novel materials made in subtly different ways, so creating a library of advanced materials or product formulations for further testing and optimisation.  The device developed by Dr Stafford uses mechanochemical synthesis, which accesses new materials and induces chemical reactions through mechanical forces, so reducing or eliminating the need for toxic solvents. It works with standard laboratory glassware or custom vessels and can be programmed to deliver different mechanical forces in each vessel, which may contain anything from a dilute liquid suspension to a dry solid powder.   Dr Stafford invented the platform, which has been patented by University of Birmingham Enterprise, to embed sustainability in materials design and reduce the substantial amount of time researchers spend generating materials in the laboratory. For patent enquiries, or to book an appointment to speak to Dr Stafford at The Advanced Materials Show or ChemUK2024 on 15th or 16th May, contact Dr Anna Isakova, from University of Birmingham Enterprise. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eAW9MTCM CHEMUKEXPO | The Graphene Council | University of Birmingham #advancedmaterialsshow #2Dmaterials #nanomaterials #graphene #advancedmaterials #parallelsynthesis #automation #chemuk #ams24

Patients with spinal cord injury could benefit from a future treatment to repair nerve connections using red and near-infrared light invented by scientists at the University of Birmingham. The method, which has been patented by University of Birmingham Enterprise, involves delivering light directly to the site of the injury. Their latest research, published in Bioengineering and Translation Medicine has determined an optimal ‘dose’ for this novel therapeutic approach, and shown that it can deliver significant therapeutic improvements including significant restoration of sensation and movement, and regeneration of damaged nerve cells. Researchers led by Professor Zubair Ahmed used cell models of SCI to determine the frequency and duration of light required to achieve maximum restoration of function and stimulate nerve cell regrowth and found that delivery at a wavelength of 660nm for one minute a day increased cell viability (the number of live cells) by 45% over five days of treatment. The researchers also investigated the effect of light therapy in preclinical models of SCI, using an implantable device and transcutaneous delivery where the light source is placed against the skin. Both methods showed comparable results, with a one-minute dose of 660nm light, delivered daily for seven days resulting in reduced tissue scarring, increased levels of proteins associated with nerve cell regeneration, improvements in the connections between cells and significant functional recovery. This is the first time transcutaneous and direct delivery of light have been compared in SCI. Professor Ahmed said: “To make light therapy viable for treating SCI in humans an implantable device will be required, to provide a line of sight to the damaged tissue and provide the opportunity for greater accuracy and standardise dosing without impedance due to the thickness of the skin and other tissues surrounding the spinal cord.” Mr Andrew Stevens, first author of the study and Neurosurgery Registrar explains: “Surgery after spinal cord injury is common, but currently these operations are only aimed at stabilising injuries to the bones of the spine that have been damaged by the trauma. This concept is incredibly exciting as it could offer surgeons the opportunity during the same operation to implant a device which could help protect and repair the spinal cord itself." The researchers are planning to develop an implantable device for use in humans with traumatic SCI. They have already received further funding and are seeking commercial partners or investors to develop a prototype device that can be taken into first-in-man clinical trials. Press release at https://bit.ly/4b4LjUy Paper at https://bit.ly/3JKvXsB For commercial enquiries contact Veemal Bhowruth Society for Biological Engineering (SBE-VIT) Mohammed Hadis | Will Palin | Antonio Belli

Researcher Dr Jason Stafford has developed a high-throughput device to unlock the potential of nanomaterials such as graphene and related 2D materials using a sustainable mechanochemical approach. The device is a fully automated, parallel synthesis unit that can be programmed to produce a series of novel materials made in subtly different ways, and so create libraries of advanced materials or product formulations for further testing and optimisation.  Current techniques for making nanomaterials either rely on a top-down approach that peels off layers of atoms (exfoliation), or a bottom-up approach that builds up a sheet by depositing one atom at a time. Both these approaches involve a large number of steps, synthesis parameters and rely on thousands of precursors. This holds back R&D on new formulations using nanomaterials made from single elements (such as graphene), compounds such as copper oxide, polymers, or crystals.    The device developed by Dr Stafford uses mechanochemical synthesis, which accesses new materials and induces chemical reactions through mechanical forces, so reducing or eliminating the need for toxic solvents. It works with standard laboratory glassware or custom vessels and can be programmed to deliver different mechanical forces in each vessel, which may contain anything from a dilute liquid suspension to a dry solid powder. Dr Stafford invented the platform, which has been patented by University of Birmingham Enterprise, to embed sustainability in materials design and reduce the substantial amount of time researchers spend generating materials in the laboratory. Dr Stafford is Associate Professor at the University of Birmingham. He is the co-inventor on 20 patents, as well as the main inventor on the patent application filed for the high-throughput device for 2D and nanomaterials processing. For patent enquiries, or to book an appointment to speak to Dr Stafford at the Advanced Materials Show or ChemUK2024 on 15th or 16th May, contact Dr Anna Isakova, from University of Birmingham Enterprise. Find out more at: https://lnkd.in/eAW9MTCM #advancedmaterialsshow #chemuk #ams24 The Advanced Materials Show | CHEMUKEXPO | The Graphene Council

We are pleased to announce leading-edge medical innovators Birmingham Biotech LTD as the latest addition to our specialised health-tech incubator space, Unit 9.  Birmingham Biotech Ltd offers a wide variety of in vitro diagnostic solutions, medical devices and equipment to the global medical community at low cost. Birmingham Biotech’s Managing Director, Michael Hsu said, “The Unit 9 incubator is the perfect lab space for us. It’s the right-size, low-cost, and in a good-location. It is with easy access to the University campus, research departments and hospitals which will facilitate current and future collaborative research activities. We will also benefit from business support from University of Birmingham Enterprise and other facilities at the BioHub Birmingham.” Unit 9 is a collaboration between University of Birmingham Enterprise, the GBSLEP Skills Hub and the GBSLEP Growth Hub and West Midlands Combined Authority. It supports regional innovation and creativity, allowing growth by retaining IP, talent and the infrastructure to commercialise. Angie Reynolds, Chief Operations Officer at University of Birmingham Enterprise commented, “Birmingham Biotech are the perfect fit for our Unit 9 Health Tech incubator and the companies research findings will enable its nasal spray capabilities to reach a wider audience of allergic rhinitis sufferers. Welcome to Michael, Julie, Richard, and the rest of the team.” To find out more about Birmingham Biotech, visit https://lnkd.in/dfGyHCpe For more about Unit 9 and Birmingham Research Park, visit https://lnkd.in/e3FQvwiw Andrew Cruxton | University of Birmingham #healthtech #businessincubation #RandD #healthcaremanagement #medicalequipment Pictured: Laboratory Technician Jack Wheeley and Researcher Dr Richard John Asa Moakes during the site induction on Monday 29 April 2024.

🔹 Are you a female academic with ambition to spin out a company?  🔹 Do you support female academics seeking to translate their research into impactful commercial ventures? You're invited to join University of Birmingham Enterprise for a dynamic  round table discussion on how we can support women in academia who are ready to turn their research into thriving commercial ventures. Share your experiences, insights, and ideas with us as we explore the unique challenges faced by female academics with start-up potential. Your input will directly shape a personalised support program featuring training, networking opportunities, and funding options tailored to empower aspiring female founders. Find out more and register at: https://lnkd.in/gSj5NeRP #WomenInSTEM #FemaleFounders #entrepreneurship #diversity #innovation #startups Elle Burdis | Andrew Cruxton | Rizwan M, BA (Hons), MSc, PRINCE2® | Siobhan Daniels | Anna Isakova | Tracey A. | University of Birmingham