The University of Strathclyde said it has taken an equity stake in medical diagnostics company Biomarx in a partnership that brings together academic research, investment and commercial product development.
“The agreement combines university equity investment, company ownership of intellectual property and doctoral research directly linked to Biomarx’s technology development,” said the university.
“It offers an alternative to the traditional university spinout model, where a new business is formed around academic research.”
Biomarx is developing technology designed to make advanced diagnostic testing cheaper, simpler and more accessible, with the aim of bringing it into routine healthcare use.
Developed through Strathclyde Inspire, the university’s entrepreneurship programme, the partnership will provide Biomarx with access to research expertise, facilities and commercialisation support as it develops its technology and grows the business.
The company, based in Glasgow and Belfast, is developing liquid biopsy technology to simplify advanced genetic testing, helping clinicians make more informed decisions and supporting more personalised treatment for patients.
The partnership was developed following discussions between founder Sean Macfarlane, Strathclyde’s Professor Damion Corrigan, who specialises in taking diagnostic technologies from early-stage research through to real-world deployment, and Dr Catherine Breslin, Head of Industry Engagement and Commercialisation at the University.
A central part of the agreement is a doctoral research programme linked directly to Biomarx’s product development, with research carried out at Strathclyde, allowing the company to draw on academic expertise and facilities as it advances its technology.
As part of Biomarx’s pre-seed investment round, Strathclyde received equity in return for contributions including access to research facilities, intellectual property support, assistance with meeting medical device quality standards and support for doctoral studies.
Intellectual property developed through the doctoral research will belong to Biomarx, giving the company ownership of the resulting technology as it progresses towards commercialisation.
Breslin said: “This partnership shows how universities can support ambitious technology companies in ways that go beyond the traditional spinout model.
“Biomarx already has a clear commercial direction and investor backing. By combining that with Strathclyde’s research expertise, facilities and commercialisation support, we can help the company develop its technology and strengthen its prospects for growth.
“The equity arrangement also gives the University a stake in that success. It’s an approach that could work well for other early-stage companies looking to bring research-intensive products to market.”
Sean Macfarlane, founder and CEO of Biomarx and a PhD candidate at Strathclyde, said: “What makes this collaboration particularly exciting is that we have established a different model of partnership, one that combines venture-capital-backed doctoral research with a clear commercial pathway.
“It creates an opportunity to align world-class research with the pace, ambition and commercial discipline of an emerging technology company.”