Welcome to the Enterprise Sessions

How could a chance discovery in cuttlefish biology help protect our sight? Join Professor Michele Barbour in conversation with Dr Shelby Temple, the CEO and Co-Founder of Azul Optics, a medical device company focused on using innovative screening technologies to improve eye health. Hear about Shelby’s transition from academia to entrepreneurship and the importance of building the right team.

⭐Highlights
Delve into the research on a unique eye pigment and the accidental discovery that led to the creation of Azul Optics’ ground-breaking technology.

Hear about Shelby’s move from academic to entrepreneur and the support he received from Bristol SETsquared and the Innovate UK ICURe programme.

Learn about the significance of building the right team and the dynamic interplay between business and scientific partners crucial for Azul Optics’ success.

Shelby discusses the company’s work to realise their full market potential, their goal of being acquired and their mission to educate and leave a lasting impact on eye health.

🌐 About the Enterprise Sessions
The Enterprise Sessions bring together a diverse mix of company founders and researchers who talk openly about their personal experiences of forming spin-outs and start-ups, raising capital, academic-industry partnerships and the joys of translating research discoveries into real-world impact. 

The series aims to inform, inspire and challenge myths and stereotypes about research commercialisation and how businesses and universities can work together to tackle society's biggest challenges. 

👍 Like, Share, Subscribe, Explore
If you found this episode inspiring or informative, please don’t forget to like and share. Visit our website or subscribe to the University of Bristol’s YouTube channel for more Enterprise Sessions.

https://www.bristol.ac.uk/enterprise-...

🔗 Connect with Azul optics
Azul optics website: https://azuloptics.com/
Azul optics on LinkedIn:   / azuloptics  
Azul optics on X:   / azuloptics  
Azul optics on Instagram:   / azul_optics  

Commercialisation resources:
University of Bristol Commercialisation team: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/business/in...
iCure program: https://www.icureprogramme.com/
SETsquared program: https://www.setsquared.co.uk/

Chapters
0:00 – Introducing Dr Shelby Temple
0:17 – Moving from Australia to Bristol
1:16 – Discovering possibilities for human eye care in cuttlefish
2:52 – SETsquared and ICure programs: exploring ways to spin out businesses at the University of Bristol
5:57 – Founding Azul Optics: engaging patients in conversations about eye health and preventative care
9:23 – Building a team and finding the right business partner
12:29 – How and when scientists can be fantastic CEOs
14:12 – Selling Azul Optics: going through the process of getting a founded company acquired
15:21 – Lessons learned: reflecting on spinning out a company
17:09 – Outro and Other Videos

#UniversityofBristol #EnterpriseSessions #Research #Enterprise #Innovation #CEO #Founder