Who are involved with the event presentations?

 
Digital DNA – Jamie Graves

Digital DNA uncovers all PC-based activities to create an indelible record for the prevention of fraud and other criminal activities. If it had been used by Société Générale, during the Kerviel trading loss, Digital DNA could have saved them €4.9 Billion, as well as the incalculable impact on their reputation.

Jamie Graves worked on the core technology of the product during his PhD. He currently works full-time on the project, and is actively learning key business skills as he intends on joining the planned spin-out. Currently, the Digital DNA project is supported by the Scottish Enterprise Proof of Concept fund and Edinburgh Napier University. The team are planning to form a spin-out in January 2010, with an aim to secure a further funding package for September 2010. The main challenges facing the team are; securing a first customer; securing funding; product release-specification; and attracting complementary management.

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Roadside Drug Testing Device - Jane Queenan & Dr Paul Henderson

Government bodies and Police Forces throughout the UK, EU and USA see driving while under the influence of narcotics (both legal and illegal) as an increasing threat to road and passenger safety.  The Roadside Drug Testing Device, developed at Heriot-Watt University, is a simple and reliable method of identifying narcotics in saliva.  The test is easy to use at the roadside and produces results in seconds.  Our aim is that the test will be as widely accepted as the alcohol breathalyser.

The device has been developed through the Scottish Enterprise Proof of Concept Fund by the university team of Dr Paul Henderson, forensic chemist and inventor, and Mr Debaditya Choudhury. 

Their development plans will be presented by Mrs Jane Queenan, Business Development Executive at Heriot-Watt University and Dr Henderson

Who are our Guest Commentators for the event?

Alex Ogilvie of Objective Associates will give his comments and views on Digital DNA. - Alex has a long career behind him in product innovation, company creation and software development.  As Business Development Director with Objective Associates Limited he is responsible for sales and marketing related to the company’s main services of Web 2 platform creation, online commerce and online marketing. With experience in developing secure applications for the Automated Teller Machine industry Alex is more aware than most of the need to audit and monitor computer networks and systems efficiently. Alex is a keen supporter of young businesses, acting as a mentor in many cases, and is also an advisor to The University of Edinburgh on Knowledge Transfer and Exchange.    

Our Co-sponsor

MBM COMMERCIAL LLPare co-sponsors of this event of Business Forum Scotland.  MBM Commercial is a niche firm of commercial lawyers who act for investors, entrepreneurs and high growth companies. A number of their clients are successful event management companies and the firm has advised on a number of key events including the Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party, the Live 8 Concert in Edinburgh, the Scottish Retail Golf Show and more recently in relation to the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.  The firm was awarded Law Firm of the Year in the 2008 Scottish Legal Awards and they have received independent recognition of their corporate finance work in the Chambers Guide for law firms around the world.  For more information please contact Stuart Hendry, Partner (0131 226 8203 or email stuart.hendry@mbmcommercial.co.uk) or visit www.mbmcommercial.co.uk. 

How do the Business Forum events work and who should attend?

Companies present their strategic issues and ask the audience for feedback on a number of points regarding their future plans. A guest commentator will give his view on the relevant company presentation to help facilitate discussion and debate. The audience (normally comprising a variety of advisers, investors and companies) will then discuss each presentation and give their own feedback on a "round-table" basis. The aim of these events is to help the presenting companies by giving constructive feed-back on their presentations with a view to helping them take their company to the next level. The event will also provide excellent networking opportunities for the audience members and given them a chance to reflect on the key strategic issues that face their own businesses. The events are modelled on the successful initiative at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

What is Business Forum Scotland?