IP Group backs university research project

The platform, Marblar, has developed an online network for inventors, from individuals to universities and corporates, to interact directly with scientific researchers to come up with novel ways to exploit scientific discoveries.

IP Group took part in a successful pilot version of the Marblar service earlier this year by sponsoring a competition to find new commercial applications for a recent discovery in DNA chemistry from the Southampton Nucleic Acid Research Group led by Professor Tom Brown, a graduate of Bradford University.

Alan Aubrey, chief executive of IP Group, said: “What Marblar is offering is an innovative way of unearthing new applications for existing science that might otherwise be overlooked and complements our existing model.

“We see this as a great source of new ideas, and potentially new companies, that could ultimately benefit UK plc as a whole.”

Dan Perez, CEO of Marblar, added: “Marblar is here to pull back the veil that often leaves the process of tech transfer in the hands of a few individuals.

“We believe that campuses are, ipso facto, brimming with diverse talent - we’re going to set that talent in motion towards moving inert IP.

“It’s a shame that more than 90 per cent of university disclosures sit on a shelf collecting dust because the path to market isn’t obvious. “Together with our Marblars, we’re going to change that and, in the process, change the world.”

IP Group has offices in London, Leeds and Newcastle.