Health Sciences University (HSU) welcomes the recommendations of the Independent Review of University Spin-out Companies (November 2023), commissioned by HM Treasury and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and supports the sector‑wide ambition to create a more founder‑friendly, transparent and efficient spin‑out ecosystem across UK higher education.
HSU confirms that it has voluntarily adopted the best practice principles for university spin-out deal terms set out in the Review. These principles are embedded within HSU’s IP & Commercialisation Policy and Procedures (March 2026), which set out the University’s framework for supporting the creation, protection and commercialisation of intellectual property, including spin-out formation.
In line with the Review’s recommendations, HSU is committed to:
- Recognising spin-outs as a valued pathway to impact, alongside other routes such as licensing, consultancy, CPD and social enterprise, particularly where this enables the translation of health-focused research into real-world benefit.
- Ensuring fair, proportionate and transparent deal terms, including a clear rationale for the University’s interest in spin-out companies and a balanced and proportionate approach to equity allocation, intellectual property licensing and founder incentives.
- Avoiding unnecessary complexity or delay in spin-out formation, adopting a pragmatic and supportive approach appropriate to the scale, risk and maturity of each opportunity.
- Supporting founder alignment, ensuring that academic and student founders retain meaningful incentives to grow successful ventures while safeguarding the University’s public benefit mission and responsibilities.
- Providing early access to appropriate advice and support, including signposting to legal, commercial and investment expertise where required.
HSU’s approach reflects the Review’s emphasis on simplicity, speed and proportionality, and is informed by national good practice, including the University Spin-out Investment Terms (USIT) Guide, while remaining appropriate to HSU’s mission as a specialist applied health sciences university.
As a developing research-active institution, HSU is committed to continuous improvement in its commercialisation practices. The University will keep its spin-out policies and procedures under review, informed by evolving sector guidance, investor expectations and founder feedback, to ensure ongoing alignment with national best practice.
Through the adoption of these principles, HSU aims to enable responsible, founder-friendly spin-out creation that supports innovation, delivers societal and health impact, and contributes to sustainable economic growth at local, regional and national levels.
