It is the purpose of the Industrial Affiliates Programme to help develop research collaboration between UKCTE and companies with interests in tissue engineering. This will be achieved by establishing the Industrial Affiliates Programme, which will act as direct linkage informing companies about the research programmes and other activities of UKCTE and making companies aware of the research discoveries and IP that arise from the programme and providing the opportunity to discuss research and development areas of mutual interest. It will also provide opportunities to initiate collaborative research projects and to fund post-graduate studentships.

The Industrial Affiliates Programme is offered to companies with wishing to establish this linkage with UKCTE. The annual cost for subscribing to the Affiliate programme is £3500 with a lower rate of £2500 for small companies. The Affiliates Programme will provide a package of information and activities exclusive to Affiliate Members. UKCTE will provide all affiliates with regular updates on the research output of UKCTE, there will also be an annual meeting for Members of the Affiliate Programme at which UKCTE will present new research and open it for discussion. UKCTE will also provide the annual report to all Affiliate Members. The formation of the Industrial Affiliates Programme will thus establish a privileged group with common research interests and we foresee the Programme promoting broader collaboration in tissue engineering and encouraging commercial exploitation.