Monsanto acquires Duke University spin-out GrassRoots Biotechnology for undisclosed amount.

PCH International establishes seed-stage incubator Highway1 for hardware start-ups.

Amalyst, spun-out of University College London, has received funding from venture firm Midven and UCL Business for hydrogen fuel cell tech.

Northwestern University gas storage spin-out NuMat Technologies closes $2m seed round.

Yulex Corporation grants $3m to University of Arizona to breed guayule, a rubber-producing plant for arid environments.

Navitas Capital, backed by Johnson Controls, leads $12.2m financing for energy efficiency company.

Mark Zupan, dean of University of Rochester, said: "The fund underscores Simon's commitment to providing rigorous and meaningful experiential learning opportunities for our students, and complements Simon's array of entrepreneurship educational options including the School's student startup incubator at High Tech Rochester and the annual Mark Ain Business Model Competition."