Education Today Education Today Magazine
The University of Edinburgh has announced the permanent appointment of Dr Andrea Taylor as the new Chief Executive Officer of Edinburgh Innovations, the University’s commercialisation service.
Dr Taylor brings over 25 years’ experience working across the innovation sector holding positions in academia, the pharmaceuticals sector, biotech, commercial deal making, inward investment and economic development.
Andrea has worked in Edinburgh Innovations for six years, more recently as Director of Strategic Partnerships before stepping in as Interim CEO. Andrea has had particular success securing high profile international partnerships such as NEURii, to tackle dementia, and beLAB1407, to advance drug discovery.
Dr Andrea Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of EI, said: “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead Edinburgh Innovations into an exciting and bold next phase of its journey. Entrepreneurship, partnership and internationalisation are critical elements of the University of Edinburgh’s recently published Research and Innovation strategy, and Edinburgh Innovations will play a pivotal role supporting the University to achieve even greater innovation success. Unlocking technology, building impactful companies and partnering internationally will all be key areas of focus.”
Since joining Edinburgh Innovations in 2017, Andrea has played a key role in driving innovation at Edinburgh Innovations and the University, growing industrial and translational research income to almost £92 million. Last year, 123 companies were launched and £107.6 million was invested into the University’s portfolio via in-house venture investment team, Old College Capital.
