Practical experiences in starting up life science companies in the academic sector

Abstract

The authors discuss their experiences in starting up life science companies in the academic sector as a means of identifying the key issues and highlighting ways of addressing these issues. Sheffield University Enterprises Ltd has led the formation of over 30 companies at Sheffield University in the past three years, many of which are in the biotechnology sector. Ithaka Life Sciences Ltd specialises in supporting the formation and growth of life science businesses by providing specialist expertise to assist the founders; it works with a number of universities and emerging companies around the UK. The paper focuses on the technical, commercial, intellectual property, financial and, above all, practical aspects of working with academic scientists to found biotechnology companies.