UCLB hosts roundtable with leading politicians, spinout founders and investors to discuss accelerating technology transfer for economic growth

UCLB has hosted a meeting of influential people in the UK’s innovation ecosystem to discuss how the UK can go ‘further and faster’ in successfully commercialising university research to help drive economic growth and positive social impacts.  

Taking place in Westminster, the event was part of UCLB’s commitment to leading the national conversation around innovation and commercialisation and bought together perspectives from across the ecosystem, including founders of spinouts, major investors, policymakers and academics.  

The discussion began with a keynote address from Chi Onwurah MP, Member of Parliament for Newcastle Central & West and Chair of the House of Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee.  

Welcoming guests to the event Dr. Anne Lane, CEO of UCLB commented: 

“There’s growing recognition – across government, industry, and academia – that spinouts are an important part of the UK’s growth future.  

There is a shared goal to drive UK growth – and to go further and faster when it comes to commercialising research requires strengthening of the pathways from discovery to delivery. Our recent Impact Report shows that this is possible; we have seen a major uptick in ideas and inventions becoming successful companies, delivering positive impacts – from ground-breaking cancer therapies through to transformational technologies in zero-carbon energy, AI and computing.” 

Joining Dr Lane and Chi Onwurah around the table were James Regan, Oriole Networks, Stephanie Schorge, EpilepsyGTX, Anne Dobree, Parkwalk Advisors, Robin Polding, DSIT, Sandy Tung, Greater London Authority, Jonathan Crook, Department for Business and Trade, Simon Bumfrey, HSBC Innovation Banking, Christine Hockely, British Business Bank, Ollie Buckley Mellor, Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, Martin Pule, Autolus and  Geraint Rees, UCL.   

The wide-ranging discussion explored the challenges of super-charging the UK’s innovation ecosystem, how other nations are approaching this and the role of policymakers, investors, universities and others in driving a step-change in commercialisation.  

“University spinouts are vital for fostering innovation and driving real-world applications. By supporting university spinouts and creating the right environment for them to grow, we can drive real-world benefits in our society, as well as growth, new jobs and prosperity across our country.” 

 

 

Dr Lane went on to outline how UCLB has worked closely with researchers, industry partners and investors to help turn world-class academic ideas into real-world impact: 

“The figures speak for themselves: UCLB has produced over £3bn in external investment secured by our spinouts between 2019 and 2024, and nearly 2,500 jobs created. But we know there’s more to do – and more that we can do, if the right conditions are in place. This isn’t just about UCLB – it’s about the national ecosystem.” 

 

READ UCLB’S IMPACT REPORT

See the morning unfold in photos:

More from this event

Hear from Professor Geraint Rees, UCL Vice-Provost (Research, Innovation and Global Engagement) with his thoughts on what makes the UK innovation ecosystem tick.