University of Cambridge leaders have issued a stark warning that the UK risks falling behind in the race to commercialise world-class research unless it does more to support academic spin-out companies struggling to scale.
Speaking at a London showcase of Cambridge’s most promising spin-outs, university figures and venture capitalists said that while Britain remains a hub of scientific excellence, it lacks the investment firepower and infrastructure needed to turn breakthrough research into category-defining global businesses.
“The world isn’t waiting for UK and European science to commercialise,” said Gerard Grech (pictured), managing director of Founders, a Cambridge initiative to boost entrepreneurial growth. “Founders in Silicon Valley, Shenzhen and Bangalore are already building, and very, very quickly. The question is: can European universities match that pace without losing the depth that makes our research world-class?”
Grech said that many of the best commercial opportunities emerge when university science interacts with bold capital, adding: “This is where real innovation happens.”
Cambridge’s vice-chancellor, Deborah Prentice, highlighted the university’s strong track record in spin-out formation. Last year, Cambridge spin-outs raised more than $2 billion, and the institution now produces more spin-outs per capita than any other UK university.
Support authors and subscribe to content
This is premium stuff. Subscribe to read the entire article.
