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The spark for the formation of Ai2 (Anti-Infective Innovations) came from interactions between applied and pure scientists in optometry and neuroscience in the University. These interactions included studying the involvement of infectious agents such as viruses found in Alzheimer's disease, which identified a protein that had a role in acting as a barrier to infection. Talking to colleagues who shared their links with industry led to the identification of a possible application in preventing infection in contact lens wearers. Within a few months discussions were being held with senior executives within the industry. The company was formed in 2004 and received its initial funding from the NW Genetics Innovation Network (GIN) and then the Manchester Technology Fund (MTF) in 2004 and 2005. Full start-up investment was attracted the following year. The principal investigator, Dr Curtis Dobson, was seconded to the company to act as chief executive officer until 2010, and then chief technical officer, directing R&D, until 2012. Other University staff also made key contributions. The company now employs eight people, with several of the key staff having been previously employed at north west companies. Other members of the team come from Manchester and other local universities. Ai2 University collaboration 'in the genes' as Ai2 develops new products to fight eye infections 16 UNIVERSITY SPIN-OUT GIN was an initiative in which the University was a prime mover and the MTF was the fund set up by the constituent universities of Manchester University out of the University Challenge Seed Fund. Total investment includes funding from the UMIP Premier Fund, managed by MTI Partners