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Heriot-Watt University has agreed a new commercialisation partnership with a private technology and management company that it believes is unique in Scotland.

The Forward Group will not only provide venture capital, but use its management skills and business network to support the intellectual property developed by researchers.

Forward will make a significant investment in selected spin-off companies, and also offer management support in areas such as finance, sales and marketing.

Heriot-Watt principal John Archer said: "In this innovative relationship with Forward, the university has a real management partner, not just an investor, and I believe that is going to make all the difference."