University of Manchester scientist recognised for entrepreneurial spirit
01 Apr 2014
Dr Curtis Dobson from the Faculty of Life Sciences has won the Commercial Innovator of the Year award at the BBSRC’s Fostering Innovation Awards 2014.
The awards were presented at a high-profile event in London on 20 March 2014 in front of an invited audience of leading figures from the worlds of investment, industry, government, charity and academia.
Dr Dobson scooped the £15,000 award in recognition of the successful transfer of technology and resultant healthcare impact over many years with two University spin-out companies based on his research: Ai2 Ltd and Microsensor Ltd.
Ai2 Ltd has developed anti-infective peptide technology for use in ophthalmics and in medical devices, such as urinary catheters and stents as well being utilised in wound dressings and consumer products.
Microsensor Ltd is developing a new approach to the early detection of medical device infection and environmental monitoring The technology is simple, inexpensive and robust, providing a clear ‘yes/no’ signal, indicating a clinically or industrially relevant level of infection on a surface, thereby enabling early intervention.
Dr Curtis Dobson said: “Being recognised by this BBSRC award is a privilege and an honour, and further validates our efforts to tackle resistant infection, which impacts so many people throughout the UK and beyond. The additional funds will help us accelerate commercialisation of our latest technologies, ultimately delivering benefits to patients sooner.”
Professor Ian Kimber, FLS’s Associate Dean for Business Development, comments: “This is a remarkable achievement and is a testament to the industry and innovation of Curtis and his co-workers. It is a reflection also of the emphasis we place on ensuring that the fruits of our substantial investment in research deliver valuable products and opportunities.”