2nd October 2025

Cardiff University showcases spinouts and startups driving real-world impact

Cardiff University celebrated the achievements of its growing entrepreneurial community at a special event showcasing research commercialisation and innovation.

The event, ‘From Research Innovation to Commercial Impact – Celebrating Cardiff University’s Spinouts and Startups’, which took place on 23 September at the St David’s Hotel, was attended by over 120 guests from across the policy, academic, civic and industry communities. The event was sponsored by the Wellcome Trust, and co-convened with the GW4.

The event marked a public celebration of Draig Therapeutics, following its official launch in June. Draig Therapeutics, a Cardiff University spinout founded on the research and expertise of Professor John Atack and Professor Simon Ward from Cardiff University’s Medicines Discovery Institute, will translate the latest research to pioneer new therapies for neuropsychiatric conditions.

The event opened with a ‘Spinout Showcase’, in which guests had the opportunity to meet entrepreneurs from Cardiff University-supported spinouts and start-ups including Nisien.AI, ImmunoServ, Simply Do, Optimise AI, and Profionics. The showcase highlighted the University’s role in supporting early-stage businesses that are delivering impact across sectors such as life sciences, artificial intelligence, and digital innovation.

The keynote address was delivered by Kellie Beirne, Chief Executive of Cardiff Capital Region, and Honorary Fellow of Cardiff University, who spoke about the role of innovation in driving inclusive and sustainable growth across South Wales.

Professors Ward and Atack introduced Draig Therapeutics, outlining the company’s ambition to develop new medicines based on Cardiff-led research, and sharing their journey to commercialisation.

They were followed by Dame Kate Bingham, Managing Partner at SV Health Investors and former Chair of the UK Vaccine Taskforce, who discussed the conditions required to stimulate new companies, and the role universities can play in their development.

Finally, a panel chaired by Professor Roger Whitaker, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Enterprise, brought the speakers together to consider how Wales can strengthen its innovation ecosystem. The discussion explored priority areas for research commercialisation over the next decade and how these can align with the region’s existing strengths in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, cyber and the creative economy. Panellists highlighted the importance of collaboration between universities, government, and industry in attracting international investment and creating opportunities for future generations.