By Mark McSherry

The University of Edinburgh has announced the permanent appointment of Andrea Taylor as the new chief executive officer of Edinburgh Innovations (EI), the university’s commercialisation service.

Taylor has over 25 years’ experience working across the innovation sector holding positions in academia, the pharmaceuticals sector, biotech, commercial deal-making, inward investment and economic development.

She has worked at Edinburgh Innovations for six years, most recently as Director of Strategic Partnerships before stepping in as Interim CEO.

Since joining Edinburgh Innovations, Taylor has played a key role in driving innovation at EI and the university to grow industrial and translational research income to almost £92 million.

Last year, 123 companies were launched, and £107.6 million was invested into the university’s portfolio via in-house venture investment team Old College Capital.

Taylor has had particular success securing high-profile international partnerships such as NEURii, to tackle dementia, and beLAB1407, to advance drug discovery.

Taylor said: “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead Edinburgh Innovations into an exciting and bold next phase of its journey.

“Entrepreneurship, partnership and internationalisation are critical elements of the University of Edinburgh’s recently published Research and Innovation strategy, and Edinburgh Innovations will play a pivotal role supporting the University to achieve even greater innovation success.

“Unlocking technology, building impactful companies and partnering internationally will all be key areas of focus.”

“Edinburgh Innovations offers an unparalleled commercialisation service, with collaborative and expert support for all staff and students throughout their innovation journey.

“Combined with our world-class research at the University, we are focused to capitalise on significant opportunities across the innovation landscape and are ambitious in the scale of impact that we seek to make to address some of the world’s biggest challenges across Future Health; Data, Digital and AI and Climate and the Environment.”

Catherine Martin, Vice-Principal of Corporate Services at The University of Edinburgh, said: “I am extremely pleased we have appointed Andrea to the role of CEO of EI and I look forward to the energy and creativity she will bring.

“Andrea’s significant experience of innovation and building international partnerships and her empowering vision of EI are particularly valuable.

“Innovation and entrepreneurship are central to the values and strategy of the University as we continue to address the world’s greatest challenges through our world-class research.

“EI’s support across the University is essential to achieve this ambition and Andrea is a fitting CEO to continue our successful trajectory.”