Consumer

Kaust is preparing for the third phase of its Taqadam startup accelerator, which is supported by a host of Saudi Arabian academic institutions and claims to have achieved a 35% female participation rate.

UAEpreneurs will operate with support from University of Manchester’s Middle East Centre in Dubai, providing 10 mainly digital-focused startups the opportunity to raise $50,000 to $250,000 in capital.

4Gene is advancing TUM research into exploiting plant-derived glucosides as flexible triggers for releasing flavouring and aromas.

Danone Manifesto Ventures and ADM Ventures both took part in a series A round for the Montana State University-backed Nasa spinout, which is developing edible proteins.

Smart home technology manufacturer Sousei Technology also collected funding from Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance in a round that will help it deliver upgrades and additional services.

Adelaide's ThincLab and University of New England's SRI AgTech incubators will receive $357,000 and $229,000 of government funding respectively.

The company has committed $100m to the Catalyst Fund for early-stage start-ups, which may be available to university startups.

Caltech and Pennsylvania back on-line teaching company Coursera, which just won the praise of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.

Revolymer, which makes chewing gum that is easier to remove from streets and pavements, was backed by the Setsquared Partnership, a joint venture capital initiative between Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Southampton and Surrey.