Isis Innovation Ltd and Oxford Brookes University
Press Release

Partners in the business of research

The technology transfer operations of the two Universities in Oxford have formed a partnership which provides Oxford Brookes University staff with access to the resources of Isis Innovation, the technology transfer company of the University of Oxford. This will help with commercialising new ideas from Oxford Brookes’ research and encourage Oxford Brookes staff to exploit their ideas through access to the networks and expertise available from Isis Innovation.

The academic world has, for some years, recognised the need to exploit ideas and technology which have commercial potential. Over the past seven years Isis Innovation has grown to become one of the leading centres in technology transfer, through working with Oxford University’s researchers and the Oxford networks of local entrepreneurs and investors.

In 2004, Isis Innovation established Isis Enterprise to help other universities and research institutes with their technology transfer activities. This dedicated resource will now be available to Oxford Brookes through the partnership between its Research and Business Development Office and Isis Enterprise.

The team at Oxford Brookes has successfully commercialised a number of projects and will continue to manage the search within their own University for good ideas. The partnership with Isis Enterprise will strengthen this capability in particular in relation to the creation of new spin out companies by helping with the development of potential business, identifying routes to market - and involving the Oxford networks of business professionals and business angels.

"Technology transfer is a long-term activity and we see partnership as the way forward, particularly between neighbours,"said Dr Tim Cook, Managing Director of Isis Innovation Ltd. "The potential contributions, both financial and non-financial, that effective technology transfer can make to the UK and local economy are significant and often under exploited."

John Francis, Director of Research and Business Development at Oxford Brookes, states "We look forward to being able to tap into the depth of experience and knowledge which Isis Innovation has, right on our doorstep. We expect that this will add tremendous value to our work and help speed the process of technology transfer."

Notes for editors:

1. Isis Innovation Ltd. is the University of Oxford's technology transfer company. It provides researchers with commercial advice, funds patent applications and legal costs, negotiates exploitation and spin-out company agreements, and identifies and manages consultancy opportunities for University researchers. It is a subsidiary of the University of Oxford and has established itself as one of the best University technology transfer companies in the UK. www.isis-innovation.com
2. Isis Enterprise is the division of Isis Innovation Ltd, set up in 2004 to help other universities, research institutes and government agencies with their technology transfer activities. Isis Enterprise offers consulting expertise and advice in technology transfer, the process of managing intellectual property and its transfer from research to commercialisation. Isis Enterprise, a new division of Isis Innovation Ltd, offers services to public and private sector clients worldwide. Isis Enterprise offers long term or short term working partnerships in technology transfer through Isis hosted activity, or site visits and reviews of an organisation's current or proposed technology transfer systems.
3. Oxford Brookes University is a leading modern university with a reputation for innovation, enterprise, high quality education and research, and strong links to industry. It currently has just over 18,000 students, including those who are UK-based open/distance learners, on UK franchised courses or part-time. It consistently sits high in the annual league tables produced by the national media and is a leading university for students gaining 'graduate type'employment.

More information:

Dr Mark Mawhinney, General Manager, Isis Enterprise,
tel. 01865 280830 or email: mark.mawhinney@isis.ox.ac.uk

Cynthia Warmington, Marketing Communications Administrator, Isis Innovation Ltd.,
tel. 01865 280837 or email: cynthia.warmington@isis.ox.ac.uk

John Francis, Director of Research and Business Development, Oxford Brookes University, tel. 01865 484441 or e-mail: jfrancis@brookes.ac.uk

Ruth Collier, Press Officer, University of Oxford,
tel. 01865 280532 or email: ruth.collier@admin.ox.ac.uk

Susan Tolman, Head of Public Relations, Oxford Brookes University,
tel: 01865 484453 or email: stolman@brookes.ac.uk