A range of businesses based on scientific breakthroughs from the University of Exeter were showcased to Science and Tech Minister Peter Kyle as part of his visit to the city campus.
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology visited four Exeter spin-out companies, which are working to bring the benefits of new research findings in health, climate and AI. The new businesses are providing highly skilled graduate employment and economic growth for the city and region.
The visit was part of Universities UK annual conference. The Exeter spin-out companies were:
- SENISCA, which has developed a new way of reversing the effects of cell ageing, with applications across skincare and treating disease.
- Watercress Research, which has launched a line of continence care skin products to reduce irritation, and is working on developing other applications.
- Quanterra, which offers new ways of monitoring fluxes in carbon, water and energy
- digiLAB, which specialises in AI and machine learning, employing a number of Exeter graduates.
Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: "This government is backing great UK universities like Exeter to be economic engines for their regions. By supporting more talented and driven researchers to take the leap of setting up a business from their hard work, they will play a major part in driving local growth.
"Turning cutting-edge discoveries into real-world solutions, from AI to healthcare and beyond, ultimately benefits all our lives, while creating new jobs and opportunities to skill up for people across the UK."
The Minister was told of recent success stories, including how Quanterra was this week acquired by leading technology measurement firm Vaisala, and how SENISCA has recently signed a research partnership deal with L'Oreal.
Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said: "At Exeter we have a long tradition of outstanding research around the global challenges of creating a greener, fairer and healthier world. In the last few years, we've made great strides in improving the pipeline of translating this research into outputs, in part through our innovative spinout companies. We're incredibly proud to showcase a selection of these to the Minister, promoting the cutting-edge of South West innovation which is boosting economic growth."
