Innovators urged to think commercial

SCIENTISTS, researchers and entrepreneurs are to be encouraged to convert their ideas into something valuable, in a bid to support the growth of innovation in Edinburgh.

In the last few months alone, the calculation of the female ovarian cycle, the discovery of glowing bugs to find landmines and detection of a gene that may help explain the cause of mental disorders have taken place in Edinburgh.

Now, the Edinburgh Science Triangle is to hold an event showing innovators how to reach their commercial potential.

Innovation is of huge importance to Edinburgh, with science and technology employing around 65,000 people locally.

Barry Shafe, project director of Edinburgh Science Triangle, said: "It's an old saying but no-one's a master of all trades. The trick is to team up with other people who have a complementary set of skills to you, instead of trying to do everything yourself.

"This is particularly true of innovators, who might wish to dedicate themselves to their research and thinking and don't always have time to be diverted to general business matters.

"What we're trying to do is show that involving other people is a strength, not a weakness, as it increases the probability of success."

The event is being held at the Pentlands Science Park on Monday, 15 March. Details at www.edinburghsciencetriangle