A team from Warwick composed of four Life Sciences PhD students plus one MOAC PhD student is taking part in this year's BiotechnologyYES competition, and, after a 2-day intensive workshop at Syngenta UK headquarters, we presented a hypothetical business plan to a panel of three investors (Dragons' Den style!) and other contestants based on an a novel scientific invention. Our hypothetical product is packaging for fresh agricultural produce which absorbs the plant hormone ethylene and conveys antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Our team - 'LeafSorb' beat teams (including Cambridge and Manchester), to win our stream, and will be developing our business idea further to present at the national finals in London in December.

Steve Norton

From left to right: Nicola Galley, Charlotte Carroll, Steve Norton (MOAC), Sarah Smith, Roshani Patel.