Business and management consultancy and related services

Tender description

Drs Hall and Probert have developed a novel approach for the high throughput, microscale, screening of crystallisation conditions for small molecules. This allows for the rapid exploration of multidimensional experimental space, with minimal sample requirements, leading to the discovery of successful crystallisation conditions. The growth of small molecule crystals enables both the discovery of novel crystal forms (polymorphs, salts etc.) and the sub-atomic scale analysis of the molecular components (through single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, SCXRD). A patent has been filed covering high throughput (HTP) microscale crystallisation screening methodology. Based on this they propose to set up a contract research spin-out company (NorthEast Crystallisation Technologies) to provide solid state discovery and analysis services to the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. Initial work has been undertaken in development of the business concept. Further detailed work is required to take this opportunity forward, to assess the potential for a successful business and develop an appropriate business plan. The person appointed to lead the company formation and development will have experience in business start-ups, marketing, innovation and fund raising. They would preferably have experience in an industrial sector and engineering industries, including new product development and first market introductions. Ideally, they would also have links with potential partner companies and investors. Newcastle, Durham, Sunderland and Northumbria universities, in common with universities throughout the UK, have advanced relevant systems and procedures and also dedicate significant public resource to both research and commercialisation of that research. A key route to commercialisation is the creation of a new business (a spin-out company) wherein the intellectual property (IPR) developed exclusively licenced to a university start-up company in exchange for (founders) shares in that company. The universities ill engage suitably qualified and experienced executives through the DPS as and when required over the DPS period. The specific requirements will be detailed in each further competition. The initial brief of the executive for which he/she will be paid, dependent upon the scope of the specific project engagement sought, either a payment or a combination of a payment and a share/stock option will typically be to: (a) produce a viable business plan; (b) obtain university approval for the venture; (c) act for the company in the spin-out legal process and address all the company formation matters; (d) provide to the appropriate university all matters necessary for ESIF and Research England reporting requirements; (e) secure (venture capital and/or other) funding in accordance with the business plan.