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Extraordinary academics win £40K to transform innovative research into ventures
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Extraordinary academics win £40K to transform innovative research into ventures

by
March 12, 2025

Anna Wood is the Editor of Startups Magazine. She joined…

10 exceptional female academics at the University of Bristol had just 5 minutes each to pitch for the £40,000 prize pot.

In front of an audience of 150 people, the academics showcased the business potential of ingenious ideas, like making lab-grown tissues to treat child heart defects and an algorithm that predicts if someone is at risk of developing psychosis.

The event, Research to Reward, was organised by the University’s Commercialisation teams, which helps academics turn their cutting-edge research into businesses that benefit the economy and society.

Pioneering microscopes to fight cancer

The first £20,000 prize, decided by an all-female panel of business experts, was awarded to Dr Isabelle Cuthbert, research associate in the School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience.

She has discovered a way to improve the use of super-powerful ‘CLEM’ microscopes, which allow scientists to look deep into the complex interior of cells.

Substances used to help highlight tiny parts of these cells – known as ‘probes’ – currently do not work well with CLEM microscopes, limiting their usefulness.

Dr Cuthbert’s innovation changes that, making CLEM microscopes and probes function far better together. It will allow scientists to study cells like never before, potentially helping to bring about breakthroughs in drugs for Alzheimer’s and cancer. 

Making finance fair

The second £20,000 prize, decided by an audience vote, went to Dr Xiyue Zhang, Lecturer in the School of Computer Science.

Dr Zhang told the crowd that financial firms like banks rely on AI for 90% of their core business functions. But there is precious little knowledge or transparency in potential biases in the AI models, and there is evidence that important decisions like loan approvals can be biased, providing poorer conditions on the basis of an applicant’s gender, ethnicity or age, rather than their credit history.

Her solution is a tool that certifies when these models are fair and balanced, giving them a sound ethical and regulatory footing.

Dr Zhang said: “Winning this award is a great honour and a crucial milestone in my journey toward research commercialisation. The scheme, including the final event, was an incredible experience – from the funding programme introduction session to expert-led training workshops and the inspiring pitches from fellow finalists.

“It has been invaluable in broadening my horizon beyond foundational research to real-world applications.”

‘Extraordinary talent’

The event was hosted by Prof Michele Barbour, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor Enterprise & Innovation at the University of Bristol, who has herself spun out research into a successful startup.

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Prof Barbour said: “This event showcases the extraordinary talent and ambition of female researchers.

“From healthcare to AI ethics, these innovations have the power to change lives. Supporting women in research commercialisation is crucial, and it was inspiring to see such a strong lineup of ideas and pitches.”

The other pitches included:

  • Dr Dominga Iacobazzi, Research Fellow, Bristol Medical School – Lab-made tissues that can treat children’s heart defects, preventing the need for multiple open heart surgeries
  • Dr Sarah Sullivan, Senior Research Fellow, Bristol Medical School – An algorithm that uses electronic health records to identify patients at risk of psychosis
  • Dr Antonia Tzemanaki, Senior Lecturer, School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology – A robotic system that enhances the accuracy and safety of diagnosing and treating ‘pleural effusion’, the dangerous build-up of fluid between the lungs and chest cavity
  • Dr Jess Pilgrim-Brown, Senior Research Associate, School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies – An app that helps consultants and clients in the equality, diversity and inclusion space monitor, track and deliver consultancy projects
  • Dr Hind Saidani-Scott, Senior Lecturer, School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering – A highly efficient renewable energy generator which, unlike current products, contains both solar panels and a wind turbine, is easy to maintain and is fully portable
  • Dr Jasmina Stevanov, Lecturer in Consumer Psychology, Business School – A virtual reality and eye-tracking tool that helps artists and institutions create more accessible and inclusive public art
  • Dr Wen Ding, Consultant Nephrologist and Honorary Senior Lecturer, Bristol Medical School – Gene therapy for tubular kidney disease, which untreated leads to progression to kidney failure
  • Dr Rachel Clark, Research Associate, School of Physics – Investigating silicon photodetectors for quantum sensing applications, to deliver next-generation computing, communications and sensing

The event included an inspiring talk from Molly Allington and Dr Sian Fussell, founders of University of Bristol spinout Albotherm.

Research to Reward was conceived and run by University staff members Kit Bartlett and Dr Olivia Champion, and kindly sponsored by Greaves Brewster LLP. The panellists were:

  • Anna-Lisa Wesley, Co-Founder and Director, Sapphire & Steel
  • Josephine Dorh, CTO and Co-Founder, Fluoretiq
  • Rosalind Darby, Senior Investment and Commercialisation Manager, University of Bristol
  • Rosie Bennett, Innovation Lead, Bristol Innovations
  • Freija Glansdorp, Senior Associate, Patent Attorney at Greaves Brewster LLP

For more startup news, check out the other articles on the website, and subscribe to the magazine for free. Listen to The Cereal Entrepreneur podcast for more interviews with entrepreneurs and big-hitters in the startup ecosystem.

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