BioMin

 
Armour for teeth

Prof. Robert Hill

Professor of Physical Sciences in Relation to Dentistry, Institute of Dentistry

BioMin glass is a dental additive for complete oral care and protection. The award-winning active ingredients found in BioMin F and BioMin C toothpastes were created to provide relief from dentine hypersensitivity.

Used in both toothpaste and professional dental product formulations, BioMin has developed a global supply chain, with its products available in over 20 countries.

In 2023/24, BioMin sold more than 1 million tubes of toothpaste and is bringing to market a new patented technology within the oral care space; a lower cost additive delivering potential outside current channels.

Why did you start your spinout?

A major toothpaste manufacturer took an option to license our patent, but even after a number of years they didn’t do anything with it. I wanted to see our research on fluoride bioactive glasses translated into products and setting up a spin-out was the best way to achieve this in the end.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurial academics?

Good science is not enough. Costs and profit margins are critical for business success. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint, and there will be many setbacks and low points. The highpoints are good though, including prizes, TV appearances and my personal favourite – a picture of myself with the BioMin F Toothpaste on a billboard in China!

More Queen Mary spinouts

Keratify: A more effective way to maintain skin in culture

Kinomica: A diagnostic platform for precision medicine

hVIVO: Testing infectious and respiratory products