GW4 and Wellcome showcase regional engagement and economic growth

The GW4 Alliance and the Wellcome Trust are hosting a series of regional events to celebrate research innovation and demonstrate the role that science and innovation can play in driving regional economic growth and real world impact. The first event in the series took place in September in Cardiff which, along with Bath, Bristol and Exeter, is one of the four universities which form the GW4 Alliance. 

Cardiff University celebrated the achievements of its growing entrepreneurial community at a special event showcasing research commercialisation and innovation. This event was sponsored by the Wellcome Trust, and co-convened by GW4, and marks the first in a series of regional events across GW4.

'From Research Innovation to Commercial Impact – Celebrating Cardiff University's Spinouts and Startups' took place on 23 September at the St David’s Hotel. It was attended by over 100 guests from across the policy, academic, civic and industry communities.  

Dr Rebecca Leithall, Interim Head of GW4, welcomed guests to the event, introducing them to GW4 and the power of our cross-border research collaboration. Reflecting on the event Dr Leithall said: “It was fantastic to kick start our GW4 series of Wellcome Trust regional engagement events with Cardiff University hosting a working dinner, full of rich conversations and new connections, set against the stunning backdrop of Cardiff Bay. It was a great opportunity to celebrate Cardiff’s outstanding achievements in innovation and commercialisation, and I look forward to showcasing the innovative research across our other university members of Bath, Bristol and Exeter.” 

The event also 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. 

Professor Wendy Larner, President and Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University, commented: "Cardiff University is committed to ensuring that our research delivers tangible benefits for society, the economy, and future generations. This event shines a light on the creativity and ambition of our academic community, and the ways in which we are working with partners to transform research into real-world impact."  

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. 

To close, a panel chaired by Professor Roger Whitaker, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Enterprise (and Chair of GW4 Board), 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 – research themes closely aligned to GW4’s strategic priority research areas. Panellists highlighted the importance of collaboration between universities, government, and industry in attracting international investment and creating opportunities for future generations.