After an extensive search, the university has appointed Luke Hakes to the role of independent chairman in its technology transfer office.
UMI3, Manchester University’s tech transfer office, today appointed Luke Hakes as its new independent chairman, succeeding Krishnamurthy Rajagopal, who is leaving after six years in the role.
Hakes, who was awarded with a BSc in Biochemistry with Biotechnology in 2002, an MSc in Bioinformatics in 2003, and a PhD in Computational Genetics in 2006, all from Manchester University, will commence his role on January 1 2017.
Hakes is currently investment director at venture capital firm Octopus Ventures, where he has overseen investments in artificial intelligence firm Evi, since purchased by online marketplace and cloud computing company Amazon, and student accommodation startup Uniplaces.
UMI3, since its founding in 2004, has created over 30 spinouts, brokered 800 licenses, seen its spinouts raise more than £245m ($305m) and seen a £70m return through licensing income, contracts and sales of shares in spinouts.
Hakes said: “I am delighted to be joining UMI3 as chairman. Universities play a hugely important role in fostering innovation and talent and nowhere is this more true than at the University of Manchester.
“I am incredibly excited to work with the fantastic team at UMI3 to support its continued growth and success.”
– Image courtesy of Twitter
