Spin-out Companies formed as a result of University Research
These spin-out companies use University of St Andrews technologies in the sectors of biotechnology (Aquapharm Bio-discovery Limited), dentistry (IDMoS), environmental surveying (Topaz Environmental & Marine Ltd), fuel cells (St Andrews Fuel Cells Ltd), interactive displays (FifeX Ltd), and optoelectronics (Caladox, Photosynergy Limited).
Aquapharm Bio-discovery Limited 
Department/School Biology
Sector Biotechnology
Description: Founded in Scotland in 2000, Aquapharm Bio-Discovery Ltd is one of the first UK marine biotechnology companies that provides new 'bio-prospecting' approaches to source novel natural products from marine microbes. The company uses its proprietary knowledge and specialist skills to discover, isolate and culture marine bacteria and fungi as potential new sources of valuable pharmaceutical compounds and industrial biologically derived products.
Aquapharm's core focus is to discover and develop antibiotics targeting Gram positive and negative drug resistant infections. The company also develops high yield production systems of carotenoid pigments and fatty acids.
Caladox
The Observatory
Buchanan Gardens
St Andrews
KY16 9LZ
Telephone: 01334 479633
Contact: Dr Cameron Rae
Department/School: Physics & Astronomy
Sector: Optoelectronics
Description:
- UK agent for novel nonlinear optical materials developed and manufactured at the Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter (FIRSM), Chinese Academy of Sciences;
- offers a higher added value consultancy service in crystal and optical system design;
- supplies specialist optical components to many university and other government funded research laboratories in the UK.
FifeX Ltd 
Department/School: Photonics Innovation Centre, Physics & Astronomy
Sector: Interactive Displays
Description: FifeX designs and builds interactive exhibits for (mainly) science centres and museums but also for education and corporate exhibitions.
IDMoS 
Department/School: Chemistry
Sector: Dentistry
Description: IDMoS plc (formerly Innov8ive Detection and Monitoring) identifies and develops novel technologies for the detection and preventive management of dental decay particularly at its early reversible stages. This allows the reversal or arrest of decay if identified early enough or the appropriate treatment of decay if established.
The company floated on AIM at the London Stock Exchange in November 2004 raising £5 million. The main use of this income will be to fund the commercialisation of its launch products (expected to be available by the end of 2006) and to complete the development of further products.
IDMoS has long term plans to adapt its technology to other applications such as lesion detection and tumour imaging.
Photosynergy Limited 
C/o Blackadders Solicitors (Registered Office)
30 & 34 Reform Street
Dundee
DD1 1RJ
Contacts: Donald Walker - Telephone: 01334 463327; Fax 01334 467313, or
Gordon Freeman - Telephone: 01382 518208, Fax 01382 518228.
Department/School: Photonics Innovation Centre, School of Physics & Astronomy
Sector: Optoelectronics
Description: PhotoSynergy is a joint venture company formed in March 2002 by the University of St Andrews and Ferranti Photonics Holdings (FPH) Limited. The University and FPH have long established reputations in the fields of lasers and photonics and have collaborated previously in successful technical developments.
PhotoSynergy are bringing 2 laser products to market, an infrared and a green laser. Applications for the products are in:
- display and emergency lighting;
- industrial uses such as printing and micro/nano scale engineering;
- scientific applications such as velocimetry, inspection processes and spectroscopy;
- and in medical applications such as diagnostic and therapeutic treatments with potential to replace older vacuum technology devices as they offer benefits of lower cost and improved reliability.
St Andrews Fuel Cells Ltd (SAFC) 
Department/School: Chemistry
Sector: Fuel Cells
Description: SAFC was incorporated in February 2005 to exploit an innovative new solid oxide fuel cell design, SOFCRoll.
Topaz Environmental & Marine Ltd (TEAM Ltd) 
37 Cupar Road
Newport-on-Tay
DD6 8DF
Telephone: 01382 542285
Fax: 01382 542886
Contact: Dr Richard Bates
Department/School: Geography & Geophysics
Sector: Surveying - Environmental & Geological
Description: Survey management, especially in the fast expanding field of nearshore ecological habitat assessment.