09 November 2009
Science meets business in the Dragon´s Den
Two winning teams of scientific entrepreneurs from the University of Sheffield braved a `Dragon´s Den´ style judging panel to soar into the finals of an innovative biotechnology competition.
The teams from the University´s Departments of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology and Biomedical Science, beat off stiff competition from 10 other groups to win the regional heat of Biotechnology YES, (Young Entrepreneurs Scheme) - a competition designed to highlight the commercialisation of bioscience ideas among postgraduate students and postdoctoral scientists.
SynthiBac and Eagleeyz, earned their tickets to the national final with their entrepreneurial ideas for an alternative to wood pulp for the paper industry and a chewing gum indicating whether or not the eater has reached the drink-drive limit.
During the three-day competition, the participants, which included postgraduate students from the University of Nottingham, the University of Derby, Sheffield Hallam University, the University of Leeds, the University of Bradford and Kings College London, were required to prepare an oral business plan presentation for an "imaginary" biotech start-up company. On the final day, the teams presented their business plan before a `Dragon´s Den´ style panel comprising of business, financial and academic representatives taking the role of venture capitalists.
SynthiBac, made-up of second-year PhD students Tacita Nye, Adam Croucher, Laura Smith, Jayne-Louise Wilson and Richard Wheeler, presented an idea for a company which produces high quality, pure cellulose from bacteria to supply as an alternative to wood pulp to the paper industry. Production of bacterial cellulose is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly method compared to the destruction of millions of trees.
Joint winners Eagleeyz, also from the University of Sheffield, developed alcogum -a chewing gum which changes colour upon the consumer reaching the drink drive limit, warning the driver not to go behind the wheel. The team comprised of Adam Smith, Grinu Mathews, Soheil Aghamohammadazadeh and Christopher Glover from the Departments of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology and Biomedical Science.
The two teams will now progress through to the Biotechnology YES final on 14 December 2009 in London to battle it out for the top prize of £1000, with other prizes also available.
Tacita Nye from SynthiBac, said: "The three-day competition was really intense, but provided us with an invaluable experience. We are delighted to have won and are very excited about competing in London. We would highly recommend others to participate next year."
Eagleeyz team members, said: "After many a sleepless nights we were very happy with winning and the experience."
Dr Martin Whitaker, Business Manager of the Sheffield Health Innovation Centre, said: "We are delighted and extremely proud that SynthiBac and Eagleeyz have progressed to the prestigious national finals of Biotechnology YES competition in London - this demonstrates the tremendous entrepreneurial potential of our students at the University of Sheffield."
Notes for Editors: Biotechnology YES Yorkshire and Humber is promoted and funded by Yorkshire Forward.
For more information on Biotechnology Yes, please visit the link below.
For further information please contact: Shemina Davis, Media Relations Officer, on 0114 2225339 or email shemina.davis@sheffield.ac.uk
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