Issue link: https://htpgraphics.uberflip.com/i/768723
DR ELIZABETH CRAWFORD TO LEAVE UMIP FOR SPIN-OUT COMPANY CLIN-E-CAL Dr Elizabeth Crawford, who has enjoyed nine years at UMIP, will join spin-out company Clin-E-Cal in the New Year. Lizzie, as she is known to staff, has worked as a commercialisation executive, licensing manager and most recently IP development and partnering manager. UMIP said Lizzie has been a key player in bringing the University's ground-breaking inventions and software into the commercial world. She will join Clin-E-Cal which has developed the Rafi-tone app which helps children with asthma breathe easier. Lizzie, who will leave UMIP's Grafton Street base to work in The MedTECH Centre at Manchester Science Park, said: "The past nine years have been a great experience. I remember finishing my PhD in the lab on a Friday and starting my career at UMIP on the Monday. It's gone so quickly and has also been a steep learning curve which has given me a broad education in business creation, technology transfer and understanding what's needed in innovation." She described joining Clin-E-Cal on a full-time basis as a natural move. "I've been working for Clin-E-Cal one-day-a-week for the past 6-months, and it has been fantastic to have that support from UMIP, but now is the right time to go full-time," she said. "Clin-E-Cal isn't just about helping children breathe easier – initially we are focusing on using our core technology to improve inhaler technique for people of all ages, but ultimately we plan to build the company into a specialist digital healthcare company, addressing recognised clinical needs with robust technologies. We are currently fund raising to help us realise this plan so we can get new products developed and out there." She added: "Ultimately our company is focused on creating partnerships with pharmaceutical and medical device companies, to develop digital solutions which will enhance the value of their products. We intend to grow the company significantly over the next 18 months – creating jobs and developing products which serve a real purpose." You can follow Clin-E-Cal on Twitter @clinecal