Untitled Document

Bio-Buzz No.07 / July 2007

IN THIS ISSUE

HEADLINE NEWS
INDUSTRY CORNER
EDITORIAL
EVENTS LISTINGS

HEADLINE NEWS

New BioApproaches SW contact details:-

BioApproaches SW
Regus House
1 Friary
Temple Quay
Bristol.
BS1 6EA
Telephone:- 0117 3445738 or 0117 9008250

Launch of the Innovation Research Council Technology Transfer Platform through BioApproaches SW

We would like to take this opportunity to introduce a new tool for the use of BioApproaches SW members, located on the front page of our website this exciting new tool will allow members to search the Europe-wide Innovation Relay Network data base of over 3500 offers and 750 technology requests. Please click HERE for more information, and follow the IRC Innovation Logo.

BAE Systems Advanced Technology Centre (ATC), and regional promotional road show

In the near future BioApproaches SW will work closely with the MEMS (micro-electro mechanical systems) group of BAE Systems ATC, to carry out a series of road shows allowing SW companies to directly engage towards business development advances to enhance their existing technology through application of MEMS for smaller, lighter, more highly integrated devices.

The technology partnership on offer is based primarily on MEMS, but also allows access to other ATC areas of industrial specialism including: Human Factors, Optics and Lasers, Material Sciences, Advanced Information Data Processing, Mathematical modelling, Communications and Stealth departments.

Technology Area: Micro Engineering, Medical Devices, BioSensors, microfluidics
Target Markets: Assist other industries in the realisation of MEMS solutions.
Partnership Opportunities Sought:s Organisations wishing to collaborate on enabling technology and technology development.
Type of Partners Sought: Industry (SME, Corporate) and Universities

The BAE Systems Advanced Technology Centre (ATC) at Filton, Bristol offers a comprehensive capability in MEMS development – Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems. The capability runs from concept through to detailed design, prototyping, fabrication and evaluation. The team has developed numerous world-leading MEMS devices and has experience in transferring prototype technology through to large scale manufacture. For more information click HERE

INDUSTRY CORNER

Changes to Government structure impacting on the Science Industry

The Dti has been abolished. A new Department has been created – the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory reform (BERR) The Rt Hon John Hutton MP: Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform - overall responsibility for the department, but he will not be dealing with issues affecting the pharmaceutical industry.

Ministerial team includes:
The Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP: Minister of State for Competitiveness - responsible for enterprise, growth and business investment, strengthening regional economies, Small Business Service including business support simplification, business sectors (e-commerce, communications and information industries, bioscience, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding, construction, automotive, manufacturing, creative industries, retail, steel), corporate governance, Companies Act implementation, Companies House, corporate social responsibility, general oversight of the Shareholder Executive, specifically the Industrial Development Unit.
Sir Digby Jones: Minister of State for Trade and Investment (jointly with FCO) - Responsible for UK Trade and Investment.
Pat McFadden MP: Minister of State for Employment Relations and Postal Affairs - Responsible for employment relations, ACAS, skills, postal policy and the Royal Mail and Post Office portfolio of the Shareholder Executive and the Insolvency Service (including companies investigations).
Malcolm Wicks MP: Minister of State for Energy - Responsible for energy policy, sustainability and the environment, security of energy supply, fuel poverty, nuclear security, WEEE Directive, coal health claims unit, asbestos claims, the energy portfolio of the Shareholder Executive, export controls and Export Credits Guarantee Department.
Lord Drayson: Minister of State for Business, Regulatory Reform. Also an MOD Minister - Aerospace, marine and defence business sectors, Business Council for Britain, Better Regulation Executive, Better Regulation within BERR.
Gareth Thomas MP: Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Trade and Consumer Affairs. Also a DfID Minister - Responsible for Trade Policy (a shared BERR/DfID responsibility), EU competitiveness and the Single Market, Services Directive, consumer affairs and competition issues.

The Technology Strategy Board (TSB)

Following up from the June 2007 BioBuzz, The Technology Strategy Board (TSB), based at Block B, Floor 1, North Star House, North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1FF has been formed. This body will hold the budgets for the former DTI's collaborative R&D programme which includes Knowledge Transfer Networks (KTNs) and when fully established it is expected to have a strength of around 75 staff. Members of the Board and an Executive Team and have now been appointed. For more information click HERE

International Business Opportunities

INVITATION TO THE DEVON INTERNATIONAL TRADE FORUM – ‘TRADING WITH CHINA’

TUESDAY 2ND OCTOBER 2007, (6.00pm for 6.30pm start) AT THE XFI CENTRE, STREATHAM CAMPUS

You are invited to attend the Devon International Trade Forum on Tuesday 2nd October from 6pm, hosted by the University of Exeter at the Xfi Centre.
The theme will be ‘Trading with China’ and speaker details will be confirmed shortly.
Presentations will be followed by a light buffet, refreshments and networking opportunity.

EFull details will be circulated shortly, more information about the Trade Forum can be found on our web page HERE If you require further details please contact Eleanor Kennedy, T: 44 (0)1392 262393 E: M.Kennedy@exeter.ac.uk.

South West Innovation Relay Centre (SWIRC) Technology Request - , ref.:07 GB NMBT 0IAA - Shape Memory Polymers for Medical Device Applications<br><br>
A global healthcare group with R&D offices in the UK is currently seeking novel shape memory polymer (SMP) technologies for use in medical devices. It is particularly interested in two-stage SMPs, which can undergo 2 separately initiated shape changes. Reversible SMP technologies are also required. The shape memory polymers will also be biocompatible and preferably biodegradable, though this may not be essential.
Detailed information HERE
Contact Chris Pinnell for more information Chris.Pinnell@southwestrda.org.uk

Business opportunities

Express Diagnostics, a new division of Cardio Analytics

EExpress Diagnostics was formed in April 2007 as a division of Cardio Analytics to match a growing demand for express Diagnostics’ services from Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) around the country. These PCTs are considering setting up their own community/GP based Holter services. The PCTs are looking to Express Diagnostics to provide equipment and analysis expertise. It is hoped that this and the Company’s other services can be utilised more extensively. By working alongside the NHS, Express Diagnostics can help to manage its workload and to provide all patients with a swift, reliable and first class service. For more information click HERE

EVENTS LISTINGS

Covering Lifesciences (biotechnology) and Medical interests can be found at HERE

For further information on any of these items, please visit our website:
www.bioapproaches.co.uk or contact us directly.

Jade Fulbrook-Smith – Project Coordinator, BioBuzz Editor
Tel: 07715856262 Email: Jade@BioApproaches.co.uk

Gugs Lushai – Director of Network
Tel: 07710779548 Email: Gagan.Lushai@BioApproaches.co.uk

BioApproaches SW is funded by the South West of England Regional Development Agency to support the professional and business development of the South West of England Lifesciences and Biotechnology Industry.