University of Sheffield ‘Open for Business’ and Attracting Global Interest

Sheffield’s reputation as a centre for World class research in emerging technologies is helping to attract start-ups and established businesses from around the world.
In the last six months of 2008, the University’s two technology incubators secured six new tenants; three of these were overseas companies.
The Sheffield Bioincubator secured a US based medical technology company, A Canadian stem cell company and a new microelectronics start-up from Portugal developing medical devices.

The University’s other incubator - the Kroto Innovation Centre (KIC) - is also “going global” with Soft Landing agreements with Singapore, Taiwan and the most recent with the US Market Access Centre in California. The KIC is also currently at the heart of negotiations with several potential inward investors which include existing businesses in Germany and Japan, and start-ups from Singapore and Portugal.

Mark Sanderson, Innovation Centres Manager said: “We are seeing success in Sheffield despite the global downturn because we are embedded in one of the UK’s leading research Universities.” He continued: “Our clients are benefiting from their co-location with World class know-how and facilities. As a result we are able to provide a supportive environment for companies to innovate and grow.”

For further information about the Sheffield Bioincubator, please visit their website at www.shef.ac.uk/bioincubator.