Through the support of the Premier’s Innovation Speaker Series, Three Oaks Innovations Inc. is hosting Professor Alan Barrell, Entrepreneur in Residence from the University of Cambridge to Charlottetown on March 28 and 29, says Innovation and Advanced Learning Minister Allan Campbell.
Professor Alan Barrell has spent almost 30 years in senior executive positions in technology-based industries and become one of Cambridge’s most articulate promoters of entrepreneurship. He is one of the founding shareholders in Library House Ltd., a company that engages in the discovery, research and profiling of information on ventures in Europe and is now Entrepreneur in Residence at the university’s Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Professor Alan Barrell to our Island,” said Minister Campbell. “This individual has led innovative projects throughout his career and brings extensive knowledge of business development and cluster growth to our local leaders who I know will put it to good use.”
While on Prince Edward Island, Professor Barrell has agreed to lead two round-table discussions open to the public:
Innovation and the Cambridge Phenomenon – Globalizing Regional Performance through the Development of a Science Based Cluster
During this session, Professor Barrell will draw upon his extensive knowledge of the Cambridge (UK) Biotechnology Cluster and discuss the characteristics and requirements needed to achieve critical mass through growth and development.
From Academia to Business Success – Issues for Scientists, Inventors and Investors in Tomorrow’s World
The objective of this session will be to educate and increase the awareness of different global technology transfer models and how these models can be applied and utilized to increase the market penetration rate of technology originating from the University.
“Three Oaks Innovations Inc is very pleased to attract Professor Barrell to the province,” said Sophie Theriault, Director of Three Oaks Innovations Inc. “We look forward to exchanging thoughts and ideas with Mr. Barrell on commercializing university research.”
The lectures will take place on the University of Prince Edward Island campus on Monday, March 28 and Tuesday, March 29. For more information on lecture location and schedule, please visit the Three Oaks Innovations website at www.threeoaksinnovations.com .
Background
Professor Alan Barrell is the Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning and a Visiting Professor of Enterprise at the University of Bedfordshire School of Graduate Business Studies. He has been the Chairman of Health Enterprise East Ltd., an organization seeking to exploit innovative inventions, processes and procedures in the National Health Service. He was instrumental in launching the Cambridge Gateway Fund, a 70 million Euro fund to support early stage technology businesses in the region and became its Managing Partner.
Professor Barrell has extensive experience relating to the growth and development of Biotechnology Clusters. He resides in and has been deeply involved with the continued growth of the Cambridge Cluster. This cluster comprises over 200 Biotech companies and represents one of the largest clusters in Europe. His knowledge and experience will provide great insight into the key components needed for clusters to remain competitive. It is envisioned that Professor Barrell, following from his trip, will become a key advocate for the Island and help to promote PEI within his extensive present and future contacts.
Three Oaks Innovations, Inc. (TOI) is the bridge between industry and researchers at the University of Prince Edward Island. Its main goal is to manage effectively the transfer of knowledge and innovation to commercial development and/or public use for the economic and social benefit of the University, its researchers, and the people of Prince Edward Island, to achieve regional, national, and international benefits and impacts. TOI is the portal through which industry can seek expertise or advice from UPEI researchers. Incorporated in 2005 by the University of Prince Edward Island, TOI assists researchers in transforming their innovative ideas into commercial products, business opportunities and public knowledge.
The Premier’s Innovation Speaker Series is designed to support local leaders that have identified world experts to deliver public lectures, give seminar presentations and participate in roundtable or panel discussions on Prince Edward Island. These prominent and dynamic experts will advance public knowledge in the priority sectors of the Provincial government’s Island Prosperity Strategy: bioscience (including agriculture and fisheries), aerospace, renewable energy and information technology.
Local leaders from across PEI (applicants) are responsible for endorsing the world class expert and organizing all arrangements pertaining to their visit. Applications are accepted from local business owners, research professionals, industry leaders, and other private and public sector employees. A peer review committee will evaluate the proposal based on the proposed agenda, individual’s experience and strategic fit within the strategic sectors. Particular emphasis will be placed on the ability of the proposal to strengthen innovative research and commercialization within these sectors.