Venturefest return for Cardiff innovator

A University innovator who credits Venturefest Wales for spurring her decision to co-found a brand-new business returns to the one-day festival this week

Dr Jenna Bowen, a lecturer in Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, was moved to set up Cotton Mouton Diagnostics (CMD) after experiencing last year’s high-octane event – and will return to the Swalec Stadium on 29 September seeking further backing.

CMD is a start-up spun out of Exeter and Cardiff, with both institutions working together under the GW4 alliance of South West universities.

The technology is based upon an innovative magneto-optical sensing system that helps detect signs of disease. Initially developed as a diagnostic for malaria, CMD’s technology has been shown to be reliable, robust and sensitive.

Dr Bowen hopes Venturefest Wales 2015 will inspire other would-be entrepreneurs.

“Venturefest provided me with the tools, knowledge and confidence I needed to proactively seek financial investment for CMD.  Earlier this year, we successfully secured that investment through Innovate UK, one of Venturefest’s partners. It will be a real pleasure to return on 29 September as co-Founder of the newly established Cotton Mouton Diagnostics in a bid to secure a second round of investment and to develop further collaborative relationships.”

Cardiff University is partnering Venturefest Wales 2015. The free event brings entrepreneurs, investors and innovative companies together to inspire business growth by connecting, sharing ideas, and developing business solutions.

Hosted by the BBC’s Sarah Dickins, Venturefest Wales will feature one-to-one sessions with experts and mentors, interactive workshops and displays. Speakers include Dr Katherine Shelton and Sam Austin, who formed Cardiff University’s award-winning collaboration with Cardiff charity, Llamau.