News

"Anything that won't sell, I don't want to invent. Its sale is proof of utility, and utility is success." Thomas A. Edison (1847-1931).

Microsoft is to open more research centres in Europe, in a move to step up its research collaboration and boost students' interest in the technology field.

IP2IPO Group, which specialises in commercialising university technology, has made an exclusive 25-year deal with the University of Bristol to form spin-out companies from the university. Analysts greeted the deal as a boost for the company.

The UK's National Collection of Yeast Cultures is looking for partners to help it to delve into research on using yeast to contribute to cutting edge science such as fingerprint DNA identification or drug delivery systems

A new Swedish company backed by government and business angels aims to create an entire funding ecosystem for young companies until they become ready for venture capital.

Cambridge University wants rights to the intellectual property generated by its staff. The idea has divided scientists in a university well known for its high-tech spin-outs.

The European Commission's Clinical Trials Directive was meant to make trials more simple. But it looks as if the effect has been to stop many trials taking place at all.

With the US in regulatory limbo, Europe is winning the race to be the first regulated drugs market to approve generic copies of biotech drugs - despite the protests of the biotech pioneers who created them.

What are stem cells, what could they do - and why are investors wary of putting their money in them? A lay guide to the technology