Universities Owned Company on Forbes List

Redbrick Molecular, a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s EnterprisePlus scheme, was highlighted in the entrepreneurial list under Science and Healthcare for its efforts to help attain scientific and economic impact for UK academic chemistry. The company, a spin out from The Universities of Sheffield and Leeds, uses methodologies developed by academics to manufacture the building block and fragment chemicals that underpin drug discovery and development.

"Our whole purpose is to translate chemistry from academia into industry as quickly and efficiently as possible," says Andy Hogben, a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry and Chartered Chemist. "We were so pleased to see Redbrick Molecular included in the Forbes list as our aims are a bit different to traditional spinout companies. We’re entirely owned by our University-members, which means that all our profits will be used to fund further academic research in chemistry."

The Forbes 30 under 30 are in part selected on their entrepreneurial approach and the likelihood of delivering change to their field. "These principles really underpin Redbrick Molecular," Andy continued "and we’re really fortunate to be working with some talented and forward-looking academics at Leeds, Sheffield and further afield."

He added that personal and company membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry had been invaluable in getting the company started. "We’ve taken advantage of the advertising options available through the EnterprisePlus scheme to engage with both customers and universities. Personally, I’ve found discussing ideas with my Royal Society of Chemistry mentor has helped to develop our plans and work around problems."