InterAct exhibited at the annual AUTM conference in Florida, USA. This event presented an opportunity for InterAct to meet with licensing managers from potential partner companies as well as opportunities to meet other research organizations, particularly US Federal Laboratories, that may have synergistic IP. For further details of how to contact InterAct and to discuss related opportunities please contact Dr Louise Sarup (louise.sarup@ip-pragmatics.com).

InterAct is organizing a series of workshops over the next three months to bring together key scientists and business development managers form across the six partner organizations. These workshops are an effective forum to explore synergies and identify potential commercial opportunities that can be created by combining know-how, facilities and registered IP. They also act as a forum for government scientists working in common technical fields to exchange information and ideas as part of their core government delivery functions. The workshops include:

• Detection (molecular, antibody and chemical)
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Proficiency Testing and Reference Materials

Further details of the workshops can be obtained from each of the partner representatives or alternatively please contact Dr Louise Sarup (louise.sarup@ip-pragmatics.com). InterAct welcomes approaches from companies working in the above fields who may be interested to partner to develop identified opportunities.

InterAct manages a £1.5 million Proof of Concept (POC) Fund. A first investment round was held in December 2008 where funding was approved for four projects. A second investment round will be held this month where a further six projects will be assessed for possible funding. Projects funded to date include: a new molecular detection platform and assays; the development of new reference materials to provide additional commercial reagent opportunities; and validation of an improved glove for dangerous chemical handling. Projects can involve other academic/government laboratories as well as collaborative projects with commercial companies.