MedTech SuperConnector Newsletter
June 2019
Today we celebrate one year of the MedTech SuperConnector (MTSC), which has seen the launch of two accelerator programmes, with a third now accepting applications.
MTSC has a unique brief to experiment and play with the very idea of what an accelerator is. And share the learnings.
We brought together eight diverse institutions leading in not only science but also the arts to contribute to medical technologies in some surprising ways.
How do eight different institutions work together? What happens when you push scientists out of the lab? Meet our early career researchers turned thrifty entrepreneurs: Who’d have thought a piece of paper could prevent sepsis? How can a cow save a human life?
How do eight different institutions work together?
Tas Gohir, Head of Knowledge Transfer and Impact at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), the world’s leading veterinary university, speaks about his experience. “It has been a pleasure to be a member of the MTSC Connecting Capability Fund (CCF) Consortium. All the partners work amazingly well together, using their broad multidisciplinary expertise to find innovative solutions to challenges that arise. The RVC is pleased to be part of this CCF, in particular, as it is providing effective support to early-stage enterprises in a highly important sector of the UK economy. It is also an excellent channel for translating relevant veterinary research to human applications”.
Are more heads better than one? Learn about best practice sharing from Greta Paa-Kerner, Head of Business Engagement at Buckinghamshire New University, as our partner institutions come together to review the programme here.
What happens when you push scientists out of the lab?
Get a sneak peak into the MTSC as Cohort One share their experiences.
Five companies forming, four patents filed and four progressed towards clinical trials and £1+million raised in venture capital and grant funding.
Our Venture Accelerator pushed Cohort One to understand the commercial viability of their technology; supported by business and entrepreneurial skills development to help increase the impact of their vision. Learn more about the ventures.
Cohort Two are nearly half way through our Challenge Accelerator programme. Early career researchers from across the institutions came together to for a Hackathon on Mental Health, Well-being and Happiness. See what innovations happen when you mix a diverse group of individuals: meet the teams.
Cohort Three – Applications now open
Are you developing a technology with applications in healthcare or know of researchers who are? Create real world impact from research and turn ideas into a commercial reality in Cohort Three’s Venture Accelerator – applications now open.
Meet our early career researchers turned thrifty entrepreneurs from Cohort One
Who’d have thought a piece of paper could prevent sepsis?
Hear from George Winfield about how he and his technology developed on the MTSC
George Winfield developed a paper-based breathing monitoring system as part of his master’s degree with the aim of getting a good grade. Through the MTSC this has taken a whole new trajectory as he launches his venture – SPYRAS. With a prototype in hand his newly recruited team are building on this momentum. Read more about SPYRAS. George, himself, has gone on to be awarded The Mayor’s Entrepreneur in Tech and is becoming a spokesperson for entrepreneurship.
How can a cow save a human life?
Learn the tips to help translate research from Ben Swift
Ben Swift’s new low-cost rapid phage-based diagnostic testing for tuberculosis will be a game changer in tackling the world’s leading infectious disease killer. Further to his work with animals, Ben has expanded the use of his technology to human application as well. Gaining an understanding of consumer needs has been key to the translation of his technology. His novel diagnostics technology has taken him all the way to Buckingham Palace where he was awarded the Royal Dairy Innovation Award from Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal. Read more about Ben and see if you could help him on his journey; Ben is currently seeking connections and access to networks willing use this technology.
MedCity names Unhindr company of the month
Our Cohort One graduates continue to flourish as Ugur Tanriverdi, Unhindr, was featured as MedCity’s company of the month in April. Learn more about Ugur and his AI prosthetic liner.