Business and management consultancy and related services

Tender description

Scientists from Durham University have invented a novel device that will both detect and destroy bacterial biofilms. They have developed an electrochemical platform for detection and destruction of bacterial biofilms. This drug-free, battery-free approach is low cost and can be mass-produced. The proof of concept has been demonstrated for this device and work is underway to optimise the technology for different sectors, in particular wound dressings. An executive is now needed to drive the technology towards commercialisation, developing the commercialisation strategy and business plan and securing investment in the proposition and leading to licensing of the technology to manufactures in relevant sectors. The executive will be expected drive the SmartBioFilm technology towards commercialisation and will address business matters relating to it including: 1) produce a viable commercial plan (business plan, cost and timeplan) and roadmap for the development of a product portfolio based on the current IP; 2) prepare presentation and pitch materials in accordance with the business plan and present to potential investors to enable securing of investment funding. 3) lead on setting up fully spun out company with relevant legal agreements in place. 4) Build a pipeline of commercial R&D contracts by engaging with large corporates and established businesses. 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 licensed 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, ERDF and Research England reporting requirements; (e) secure (venture capital and/or other) funding in accordance with the business plan.