Issue link: https://htpgraphics.uberflip.com/i/339668
Mike Emmerich, CEO of New Economy Manchester commented: "It is very pleasing to see that 2-DTech will remain a Manchester- based company and be enhanced by the contribution that Versarien will make to its business growth. Manchester is a very business-friendly city and is committed to seeing it become the world's leading cluster for graphene science, engineering and business. I am sure that 2-DTech has a successful future here." Clive Rowland, UMI³ CEO, said: "Our general model for technology transfer is to involve industrial participants as soon as we have developed a business proposition and gained some market recognition, in order to bring in relevant domain knowledge and marketing expertise, whether we do so through research collaborations, licensing, and/or start-up companies. This tailors our deal flow to the market and leads to quicker uptake by firms. Therefore I am delighted that we have been able to agree this arrangement with Versarien which takes 2-DTech to a new level and allows the University to share in the future success of the business by remaining a shareholder and also receiving a royalty on sales. Given the origin and location of 2-DTech in Manchester, the home of graphene, it places the company at the heart of the developing landscape for graphene applications. The scope for opportunities for 2-DTech, in its new relationship with a forward thinking British engineering company like Versarien, offers the business potential to make a real mark in both graphene production and products and in other 'two dimensional' materials too." More information on graphene is available here UMIC ® UMIP ® UMI 3 2 2-DTECH AQUISITION UMI³ BOARD MEMBER AND INVESTMENT COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN RETIRES Alan Clarke Following a fantastic tenure at the University, Alan Clarke is set to retire from the UMI³ Board and as Investment Committee Chairman at the end of July. Alan has spent ten years in his roles, has been a member of the General Assembly of The University of Manchester since its foundation in 2004 and was also a founder member of the Nomination Committee. Alan is also retiring from the University's Audit Committee. Alan is a Chartered Accountant and former partner of Ernst and Young. He specialises in corporate finance and strategic consultancy, advising a variety of listed and private companies. He holds several non-executive directorships, is a registered auditor, and also is senior partner of Downham Mayer Clarke. Alan commented: "It has been a tremendous privilege serving on the Board and Investment Committee. I have been fortunate enough to work with some extremely clever people during my time here and have seen some amazing presentations. I have had a most enjoyable time; but have understood it's serious science that we've been dealing with. It has been a hugely rewarding time for me. "I only take on roles where I feel I can add value and enjoy the work, and that's certainly been the case during the past ten years. I've seen a great mix of people and some fantastically dedicated academics who I hope we have helped in commercialising their inventions. Often, they will be striving to perfect their product or process and we have helped them take their innovations that little bit closer to market through our investments and advice. "I've seen proposals on some unbelievable things - from mini spy helicopters and air purification devices to machines that knit bespoke bandages with the aim of preventing leg ulcers and several other products that solve profound medical problems. "Getting a return on investment is always a challenge when backing early-stage ideas, but we're also focused on creating employment in the region and promoting the good name of the University and its status as a world-class research venue." So what's next for Alan? He plans to slowly wind down his University commitments and the work associated with the many roles he plays in various Manchester institutions with a view to fully retiring within the next two to three years. "I'll remain associated with the University in a modest way through my role in the General Assembly and may even take on the occasional assignment," concludes Alan.