These are just some of the fascinating topics discussed in the new season of the University of Bristol’s Enterprise Sessions which launches this week.
Presented by Michele Barbour, the University’s Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise and Innovation, The Enterprise Sessions bring together a diverse mix of company founders and researchers who talk openly about their personal experiences of forming spin-out companies and collaborating with industry.
In these interviews, accessible as both videos and podcasts, the guests discuss their journeys from academic research to raising capital, forming academy-industry partnerships and translating research discoveries into real-world impact.
The series aims to inform and inspire, challenge myths and stereotypes about commercialising research, and show how universities and businesses can work together to tackle society’s biggest challenges.
Professor Michele Barbour said: “It was a real privilege to be able to talk to the brilliant academics and entrepreneurs that feature in this season of the Enterprise Sessions. They were all generous and open with their insights and experiences, and provide great insight into how they have bridged the gap between research and the commercial environment.
“The series really demonstrates how university academics can realise the commercial and social potential of their research, and in doing so help tackle some of society’s greatest challenges.”
The first episode of season two will be available on YouTube from Wednesday 31 January with subsequent episodes released every fortnight. It features scientist, entrepreneur and investor Harry Destecroix, the founder of the Science Creates ecosystem, and co-founder of Ziylo, a hugely successful University of Bristol spin-out company.
Season two builds on the success of the first season, which has already notched up thousands of views on YouTube from all over the world.
Guests for this season include Professor Shelby Temple, CEO of Azul Optics, who will discuss how research into cuttlefish is helping inspire technology to prevent sight loss, and Dr Zeke Steer, whose company Milbotix has developed wearable socks to help people with dementia.
Dr Neha Chandarana is interviewed about her work investigating if hydrogen could be used as a renewable aerospace fuel, and Dr Jenny Bailey from Ferryx talks about her work on probiotic innovation to improve gut health.
Other episodes include Professor Kirsten Cater discussing networking across disciplines, Professor Anthony Laing on the future of quantum computing, and Dr Joanna Burch-Brown talking about social justice and the University’s Bridging Histories project.
For more information visit The Enterprise Sessions website.