ONE transforms the next generation of entrepreneurs

Ten teams of academic entrepreneurs recently completed the ICURe Discover North East programme, a joint initiative from Opportunity North East (ONE) and the University of Aberdeen, in partnership with Innovate UK. This programme took researchers on an eight-week journey, to equip them with invaluable market understanding and customer discovery skills.

The ambitious participants recently gathered at ONE BioHub for the culmination of their 8-week course to showcase their business ideas, share key learnings, and outline their next steps. This final event highlighted how the programme shaped their entrepreneurial paths.

Jennifer Craw, CEO at Opportunity North East, commended the participants: “The level of presentations was excellent, and showcased the potential and strength of the next generation of entrepreneurs in this region.

“Our partnership with the University of Aberdeen and Innovate UK will continue to grow, providing further opportunities in the region and strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem. ONE drives the message of innovation, supporting people to become the entrepreneurs of the future.

ONE BioHub is the home for life sciences entrepreneurs and an investment in the potential of the sector in the north east, aiming to inspire and enable the commercialisation of research and innovation, support the growth of high-value life sciences businesses and create more high-skill jobs.”

Professor Bettina Platt, founder of a spin-out neuroscience company and programme participant said: “The ICURe Discover programme was an amazing opportunity and an engaging experience. The hands-on approach and the support we received really crystallised our mindset, transitioning us from academics to entrepreneurs. During the programme we repositioned our target market, resulting in better alignment with our goals and outcomes. Our next steps are to continue exploring, researching, and developing our innovations with the aim to commercialise our product.”

Dan Smith, founder of a spin-out company who develop antibodies for detecting toxins in shellfish and drinking water and programme participant, said, “The ICURe Discover Programme has been an excellent opportunity to re-assess how the team’s technology would be welcomed by industry. It’s helped me expand my network both locally and internationally. Having ONE support the project elevated the experience for me. It’s been a great showcase of ONE BioHub which hosted the bootcamp and offered hotdesking facilities, helping to lift the spin-out from concept to something tangible as we look to continue market exploration. I would highly recommend the programme to early career researchers to develop their business acumen and help reframe your research in a wider, commercial context.”

ONE is committed to expanding the life sciences sector in north east Scotland as part of broader efforts to diversify the economy. The pipeline of new and exciting spinouts in the life sciences sector is rich and full of potential, poised to create groundbreaking companies that can drive innovation and economic growth. ONE plays a crucial role in this process by providing the necessary support, resources and network to help these spinouts thrive. ONE will continue to partner with the University of Aberdeen and work with the teams individually to get them ready for the next phase of commercialisation of their research, including applying for the follow-up ICURe Explore programme. ONE continues to cultivate an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region and work with partners to drive innovation and increase its economic impact.

Nicola McMillan, Scaling Services Team Leader or Company Creation Team Leader at Scottish Enterprise and a panel member at the final event, commented, “The concentration of quality propositions in this cohort was unbelievable. They effectively took their learning and applied them. The enthusiasm to take the next steps and the ability to translate their research into a commercial product was clearly demonstrated.”

Professor Peter Edwards, Vice-Principal Regional Engagement at the University of Aberdeen, said: “Understanding commercial potential and market interest is critical to transforming research and innovation into successful start-up businesses capable of maximising their potential and delivering tangible results. The Discover Programme is a vital addition in the University’s drive to create more innovation-driven enterprises in support of regional and national economic growth.”

The next steps for the ICURe participants will include the opportunity to apply for the next ICURe stage, ICURe Explore, to further their research and commercialisation efforts. ONE Life Sciences will also support the teams with ongoing guidance and resources, leveraging the combined expertise and networks of ONE Life Sciences and the University of Aberdeen to help each participant advance their specific projects and achieve sustained growth and innovation.

ONE BioHub, which opened August last year, provides a unique combination of laboratory and office facilities, networks and support programmes, enabling business leaders, academics and clinicians to realise their commercial ambitions.