Founders Journey: Michael Crichton from discovery to commercialisation

Every innovation starts with a question

For Professor Michael Crichton, that question emerged almost a decade ago through a research grant application exploring how changes in the skin could reveal what is happening elsewhere in the body.

The idea built on the expertise of his research group and a simple ambition: to develop technology that could improve the lives of patients.

"Our research has always focused on understanding how changes in the skin reflect wider physiological changes in the body," Michael explains. "From the beginning, I wanted to take that knowledge beyond the laboratory and develop something that could genuinely benefit patients."

What began as a research concept has since evolved into an exciting commercial opportunity, demonstrating how academic discovery can become innovation with real-world potential.

Building the foundations

As the research developed, the next step was understanding how the technology could move beyond academia.

Working with Heriot-Watt's commercialisation team, Michael submitted an invention disclosure and secured intellectual property protection through a patent application. Support from the University's early-stage idea incubator provided funding and the opportunity to engage with stakeholders, explore market needs and begin shaping a viable commercial proposition.

From there, the project progressed into Heriot-Watt's High Growth Spinout Programme, providing access to entrepreneurial expertise, commercial mentoring and the wider innovation ecosystem needed to prepare the technology for commercial development.

"The support has helped us think differently," says Michael. "It has allowed us to start building the technology while gaining valuable insight into what it takes to create a successful business around academic research."

Preparing for the next stage

Today, the team is preparing to raise investment as the company moves towards becoming a spinout.

The next phase will focus on taking the technology through regulatory approval, manufacturing development and product validation, creating a pathway towards a solution that can ultimately reach patients.

While the scientific challenge remains central, commercialisation has introduced new perspectives that continue to shape the research itself.

"Our approach to research has evolved because we now better understand what is needed to deliver real societal benefit," Michael says. "That has been both exciting and incredibly rewarding."

The value of commercialisation support

For Michael, one of the greatest strengths of the commercialisation process has been access to people with first-hand entrepreneurial experience.

"Our Enterprise Executive has been a real champion for the project," he says. "Having someone who understands investment, startups and the commercial landscape has provided valuable perspective throughout the journey. They've also connected us with people who have helped move our mission forward."

This combination of commercial expertise, practical guidance and industry connections has enabled the team to navigate unfamiliar territory with greater confidence.

Why researchers should explore commercialisation

Michael believes many researchers underestimate the opportunities commercialisation can create—not only for society, but for their own research.

"Commercialisation can be challenging, but it teaches you an enormous amount about your field and how your research can create value beyond academia," he says. "The University is committed to helping research become a real benefit to society, and commercialisation is one of the ways that can happen."

For researchers considering the next step, his advice is simple: engage early, remain curious and embrace the opportunity to see research through a different lens.

Because when world-leading research is combined with the right support, collaboration and entrepreneurial expertise, it has the potential to become something much bigger than an academic discovery—it can become an innovation that changes lives.