Cambridge Enterprise, the world-leading technology transfer arm of the University of Cambridge, has announced income figures in excess of £10 million for the first time.
Responsible for the commercialisation of University intellectual property, Cambridge Enterprise’s figures for 2007/08 figures show income of £8.8 million from licensing, consultancy and royalties and an additional £1.7 million received from equity realisations in five companies.
Chief executive Teri Wiley (pictured above) said: “It has been a record breaking year both in the number of deals completed and in terms of income. Importantly over £8 million is allocated to departments and academics whose expertise and ideas are the basis of successful commercial programmes.”
One of the companies in the portfolio to reach a milestone during 2007/08 is CamSemi, a spin-out from the Department of Engineering. It is now the emerging leader in the development of energy-efficient power circuits which are faster, simpler and produced at a lower cost. The company recently celebrated the shipment of ten million chips from its first product line.
The University of Cambridge leads the world in transformative research. Cambridge Enterprise is on hand to support academics searching for the best commercialisation route for their innovations either through licensing or company creation.
During the financial year 80 IP transactions were added to the portfolio, bringing the total number of active intellectual property and licence agreements under management to 459. Eighty three patent applications were filed.
The number of new consultancy projects undertaken has increased by approximately 25% on the previous year, with academics engaging with organisations around the world.
During 2007/08 Cambridge Enterprise held equity in 68 companies on behalf of the University and received £1.7 million from equity realisations in five companies, comprising £841k from seed fund investments and a further £809k from Intellectual Property investments through licensing transactions.
Over 80% of income was returned to University academics and departments and a further 7% reinvested in patent assets and 8% reinvested in seed funds. Teri Willey added: “Technology transfer is a long-term effort where decisions taken this year represent potential products and revenue streams 5- 15 years from now. To achieve this, our team balances the need to build for the future while managing the current assets."
"As we move through 2009 and the uncertain economic climate, we are in a strong position to continue working with top academic scientists to transform their ideas to attract the right commercial partners, which in turn will benefit society and the economy."
To download a copy of Cambridge Enterprise's annual review click HERE
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