Cambridge academic named 'Most Entrepreneurial Scientist'

Professor Christopher Lowe, at the Institute for Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, has been named the ‘Most Entrepreneurial Scientist of the United Kingdom’.

The competition, which praises the scientific and entrepreneurial qualities of university academics, aims to demonstrate the importance of academic entrepreneurship for the innovative strength of the UK economy. As winner of this award, Professor Lowe is automatically nominated for the 'the Most Entrepreneurial Scientist of Europe' competition, which will take place in 2007.

The judges awarded the trophy to Professor Lowe on the basis of, amongst other factors, his strong interest in developing new mechanisms to transfer quality science from the academic to the private sector.

Professor Lowe said, "The commercialisation of academic intellectual property is a critical part of the UK economy, and I am grateful to have been acknowledged as part of this entrepreneurial spirit."

Professor Lowe has a top research rating, holds over 60 patents and numerous awards, and has been involved in the establishment of seven other companies (separately from the entrepreneurial activity he has been nominated for, which is the establishment of 'Smart Holograms Ltd').

The award was presented on 21 September by Mr Alan Barrrell, Professor of Entrepreneurship at The University of Luton and Xiamen and Entrepreneur in Residence. It was accepted by Professor Lowe's son, as Professor Lowe was out of the country at the time.

Cambridge Enterprise who nominated Professor Lowe for the award said, "We are pleased to see Professor Lowe recognised for his entrepreneurial activities spanning over fifteen years and we look forward to continue working successfully with him on future projects and companies."

The competition is organised by UKSEC, the UK's national network of Enterprise Centres, and Science Alliance, and is endorsed by the DTI's Office of Science & Innovation.