James Lapworth Email & Phone Number

Warwick University , Coventry, Gb

NanoSyrinx is a discovery stage biotechnology company based at the University of Warwick Science Park, UK. We are using synthetic biology approaches to develop protein nanosyringes as a completely novel modality for the intracellular delivery of protein and peptide biologic drugs. We are leveraging this technology to unlock a vast array of intracellular targets which are currently undruggable using biologic payloads.NanoSyrinx raised an oversubscribed Seed round of £6.2m in June 2021, backed by a consortium of top-tier investors led by M Ventures (Amsterdam) and Octopus Ventures (London) and supported by IQ Capital (Cambridge), We Are Pioneer Group, UKI2S and Jonathan Milner.

Warwick University , Coventry, Gb

NanoSyrinx Ltd is developing a disruptive platform technology for targeted intracellular medicines.

CryoLogyx is developing a range of "assay-ready" pre-plated cell lines, made possible through the use of novel polymer cryoprotectants which enable previously unachievable cell recovery and viability rates.

Erebagen Ltd is discovering novel natural products locked in the genomes of bacteria, using a combination of proprietary bioinformatics and synthetic biology tools.

Nottingham, Gb

4D Biomaterials is developing a new class of degradable 3D printing resins with tuneable properties for biomedical applications.

Coventry, England, Gb

CytoSwim Ltd is developing disruptive medical devices for use in IVF and other assisted reproduction procedures.

Humane Technologies Ltd is developing innovative laboratory devices for researchers and educators in the life sciences.

Coventry, West Midlands, Gb

Warwick Ventures commercialises innovations produced from world-leading research at the University of Warwick.During my time at Warwick I worked closely with early career researchers and senior academics to identify new commercial opportunities and develop these into spinouts and licensing deals. I supported 7 teams through the ICURe market exploration programme and led on the formation of 6 new spinout companies, taking responsibility for all aspects of the venture creation process from technology disclosure, securing IP, developing the business plan, building the initial team and recruiting NxDs, negotiating technology licences, shareholder agreements and investment agreements and raising equity (£10m) and non-dilutive (£1.5m) finance.Identified >60 new inventions, leading to 25 new patent applications and >£200k in licensing income (upfronts and short term milestones).

Leicester, Gb

Working within Leicester's in-house Technology Transfer team, the focus of this role was to develop early stage technologies through to a successful commercial exit, via either licensing, company incorporation or partnering with external organisations. Responsibilities and Achievements included:1. Identifying and supporting the development of University commercial opportunities • 30 new commercial opportunities identified, 7 priority patent applications filed and £4,269,545 translational funding secured for proof of concept and development work.2. Negotiation and closure of commercial IP licences and assignments • 6 new commercial licences signed with external organisations. Projected total value >£8.8m; Combined value of upfront fees >£1.35m.2. Developing high value collaborations with commercial partners • Successful proposal in the first call of the European GSK FastTrack Challenge to co-develop small molecule therapeutics for treatment of haematological cancers. Project later led to co-development & licensing deal under the GSK Discovery Partnerships with Academia (DPAc) scheme. • Successful proposal in the Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst scheme to collaborate with Sensium Healthcare on the development of a wireless vital signs monitoring system. • Negotiated a 3 way collaboration between University of Leicester, MRC Technology (now LifeArc) and Cancer Research Technology to establish a drug discovery platform for anti-cancer drugs using primary patient tumour explants.3. Additional achievements • Trained and coached 3 Leicester teams for the Biotechnology Young Entrepreneurs’ Scheme, leading to one team winning the national finals (2014) and one team winning the regional "best elevator pitch" award (2015). • Developed a new Technology Transfer process, including Technology Disclosure and Technology Evaluation documentation.

Sheffield, South Yorkshire, Gb

Sheffield Healthcare Gateway is the team responsible for managing knowledge transfer activities for The University of Sheffield's Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health. Responsibilities and achievements in this role included:1. Building collaborative partnerships with industrial partners: • 25 new collaborative projects with commercial partners with a total value to the University of >£1.8m • Partners ranged from global pharmaceutical and medical device companies to regional SME’s.2. Identifying and developing commercial opportunities: • 25 new commercial opportunity disclosures across 3 academic departments • >£300k of proof of concept funding secured to progress these opportunities • Four projects led to at least one patent application • Six projects led to licensing negotiations with prospective licensees 3. Additional, strategic, achievements: • Co-founder of two internal networks: - "Knowledge Exchange Network" (KEN) – a cross-university network for KE professionals and related staff which grew to >80 members during my time at the University - "Health Technologies Group" – a sector-focussed network representing health technologies and medical devices expertise across the University • Developed a new PhD scholarships scheme, matching industry cash and in-kind contributions to deliver more studentships from a fixed Faculty budget. Personally negotiated two pilot studentships (one big pharma, one orthopaedic devices) to demonstrate the credibility of the scheme • Planned, organised and delivered the University’s first “Healthtech & Medical Devices Industry Open Day” in 2011. This initiative has now become an annual "Innovations in Healthcare" event, with audience numbers doubling to >140 in 2012 and exceeding 350 in 2014.

Sheffield, South Yorkshire, Gb

Worked in partnership with Prof. Paul Hatton to develop a University Service supplying 'scaffolds' for tissue culture to researchers. Personally set up sales procedures, oversaw the development of branding as well as prototype marketing and packaging materials, and made the first sales to commercial customers. Other responsibilities involved the coordination of quarterly review meetings and business development.http://www.yef.org.uk/

Leeds, Gb

Internship in a large firm of Patent and Trademark Attorneys. Gained valuable insights into the process of applying for patents at both the UK Intellectual Property Office and European Patent Office.

Amsterdam, Noord Holland, Nl

Year in Industry at ICI (now AkzoNobel) performing research into new technology platforms for aqueous paints. Developed a novel binder system for quick-drying aqueous gloss paints leading to a patent application (GB 0501854A) and the launch of a new product. Collaborated with engineers to scale products up from sub-litre to multi-tonne scale.

Phd, Chemistry, Biomaterials, Regenerative Medicine, Polymers

Bsc, Chemistry And Biology With Year In Industry