Press Release

Biotechnology Investment Forum launched at Babraham Research Campus

14 February 2006

On Thursday 9th February, Babraham Bioscience Technologies (BBT) hosted its first ‘Biotechnology Investment Forum’ on the Babraham Research Campus, a location synonymous with delivering innovation at the frontiers of biomedical research and an active contributor to regional development. This inaugural event provided new and early stage biotechnology and med-tech companies seeking funding with an unrivalled opportunity to pitch their business propositions to a forum of VC and angel investors.

Eighteen new businesses were profiled, drawn from bioincubators across the country as far a field as London, Cambridge, Warwick, Nottingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle. The technologies presented included novel approaches in drug delivery, the development of anti-infective agents to combat MRSA and a range of innovative medical and diagnostics devices. Sponsored by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) through the Finance & Regulatory Advisory Services (FRAS) Project, the event provided investors with a unique opportunity to have a nationwide look at current investment opportunities in new bioventures in a single market place. 

Dr Andy Richards, Business Angel and entrepreneur commented, “The first Biotechnology Investment Forum has been a great success. The quality of the presenting companies has been truly impressive and, in an environment where investor sentiment for biotechnology is on the up, I am sure that this event will have had a positive catalytic effect on the UK Biotech sector.”

Dr David Hardman, CEO of BBT said, “The Babraham Research Campus is or has been home to over 40 of the region’s biotechnology companies since it opened in 1998. The Minerva building has attracted new companies to the campus and BBT has plans to start the next Bioincubator building this year. The continued success emphasises the role our knowledge-based campus can play in promoting biosciences for regional development.”

“Our First Biotechnology Investment Forum (BIF) showcased innovative bioventures from the region and beyond to 38 investor groups. It highlights how BBT is positioned to stimulate partnerships between innovators, entrepreneurs and investors - 80 of them were at the BIF. We see attracting funders to the Campus, to observe what is going on in the world of early stage biotechnology, as key to our support for the sector and this will become a regular series of events for the biotech community. Once the new ventures have secured funding BBT has in place a supportive infrastructure to catalyse the translation of ideas into commercial reality through the landscape and environment of the Babraham Research Campus.”

Contact details
Dr David J Hardman, Chief Executive Officer
Babraham Bioscience Technologies Ltd
Email: dj.hardman@babraham.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1223 496205
Fax: +44 (0)1223 496020

Dr Claire Cockcroft,
Deputy, Corporate Affairs
Babraham Institute
Email: claire.cockcroft@babraham.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1223 496260
Fax: +44 (0)1223 496002