Edinburgh hits it off with Mercia

University of Edinburgh inked a non-exclusive partnership agreement yesterday with UK-based commercialisation firm Mercia Technologies to support spinout generation.

The deal gives Mercia Technologies access to the university’s tech transfer office Edinburgh Innovations, which has helped launch 189 companies over the past five years.

Mercia will establish a four-person team at University of Edinburgh and has earmarked funding specifically for opportunities arising from the institution’s research. It expects to make a significant number of investments in the medium term.

The firm also hopes its new base in Scotland and partnership with Edinburgh will enable it to better connect with its five other partner institutions in the country as well as the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem.

George Baxter, chief executive of Edinburgh Innovations said: “University of Edinburgh has an exciting pipeline of technology coming from its internationally recognised research base.

“We are pleased to be working with Mercia which has a strong track record of supporting spinout activity and we see this partnership as an important part in University of Edinburgh’s mission to increase its role in local, regional and national innovation, such as the recently announced Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.”

Mark Payton, chief executive of Mercia Technologies, said: “This is a further milestone for Mercia as we continue to expand our model of patiently supporting globally relevant opportunities with our managed funds before swiftly scaling via our balance sheet capital.

“I would like to thank the team at University of Edinburgh for their positive support and engagement.

“I look forward to what I know will be a productive relationship as we build out our presence in Scotland and, in parallel, continue to support our 18 other key university partnerships across the Midlands, the North of England and Scotland.”