U.K. extends backing for EU projects

U.K. Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond said the U.K. government will guarantee support for EU-backed "structural and investment fund" projects if they secure funding before the U.K.'s exit from the EU. The guarantee extends an earlier pledge that the U.K. government will fund EU-supported projects signed prior to this year's Autumn Statement on the U.K. budget, which is typically due in November or December (see BioCentury Extra, Aug. 15).

Hammond also introduced a L220 million ($282.9 million) funding package to support commercialization of technology in the country. The package includes L100 million ($128.6 million) to extend and enhance the Biomedical Catalyst, a program that provides funding for companies and academics to de-risk and commercialize their discoveries. An additional L120 million ($154.3 million) will support university technology transfer offices to promote collaboration with businesses on technologies. ...