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Medical Research Council Technology

 
• By Melanie Senior

Britain's Medical Research Council has done a lot over the last decade to develop its technology transfer activities. Almost half of the 16 spin-off companies based on MRC research have appeared in the last two years. One important catalyst for this increase in spin-out activity was the founding in 1998 of a venture capital fund with priority access to companies based on MRC-owned technology, the UK Medical Ventures Fund/MVM Ltd. More recently, the creation of Medical Research Council Technology, bringing together three geographically distinct units involved in technology transfer, has led to a simpler, more efficient structure and better staff retention.

Britain's £350 million Medical Research Council has done a lot over the last decade to develop its technology transfer activities. Although the MRC files 40 patents per year, completed more than 250 licensing agreement during the decade, and expects licensing income for 2000/01 in excess of £17 million (an increase of 150%), the creation of spin-out companies was until then somewhat disorganized. Almost half of the 16 spin-off companies based on MRC research have appeared in the last two years.

One important catalyst for this increase in spin-out activity was the founding in 1998 of a venture capital fund with...

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