Liverpool City Region Launches Health Tech Business Incubation Centre to Boost Innovation and Growth

Liverpool City Region Launches Health Tech Business Incubation Centre to Boost Innovation and Growth

(IN BRIEF) The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has launched the Health Tech Business Incubation Centre (Health BIC) at STFC Daresbury Laboratory, backed by £1.8 million from the Life Sciences Innovation Zone Programme. Designed to support health and life sciences startups in the region, the center offers tailored support packages worth up to £75,000, including funding, R&D vouchers, and business coaching. Key partners like the Medical Research Council and Medicines Discovery Catapult will provide expertise, while the North West Health Cluster fosters collaboration. Part of a larger initiative to attract £800 million in investment and create 8,000 jobs, Health BIC aims to transform early-stage research into commercial success and bolster the region’s economic and innovation landscape.

(PRESS RELEASE) LIVERPOOL, 26-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has unveiled the Health Tech Business Incubation Centre (Health BIC) at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Daresbury Laboratory, marking a significant step in supporting health and life sciences innovation. Backed by £1.8 million from the region’s Life Sciences Innovation Zone Programme, the initiative aims to accelerate the commercialization of health and life sciences startups in the area.

Empowering Regional Innovators

The Health BIC is tailored to early-stage businesses in the Liverpool City Region, offering a comprehensive support package valued at up to £75,000 per company. This includes non-dilutive funding, R&D vouchers, and entrepreneur-focused business coaching. The goal is to help businesses transform research into real-world solutions, fueling both innovation and economic growth.

A Network of Expertise and Collaboration

STFC will partner with leading organizations to provide participants with cutting-edge resources and knowledge. Companies will gain access to the facilities and expertise at Daresbury Laboratory, a hub for scientific advancement.

Key partnerships include:

• Medical Research Council (MRC): Offering expertise to support companies with the potential to improve clinical practices and population health.
• Medicines Discovery Catapult (MDC): An independent innovation center connecting life sciences innovators and reshaping drug discovery practices.

These collaborations are further strengthened by the North West Health Cluster, a regional initiative led by STFC to foster research, knowledge exchange, and partnerships in health innovation.

A Legacy of Business Incubation Success

STFC brings decades of experience in business incubation, with programs like the European Space Agency Business Incubation Centre UK (ESA BIC), which has created over 1,000 jobs and attracted £220 million in investment. This proven model now extends to health and life sciences through the Health BIC, positioning the Liverpool City Region as a leader in this vital sector.

Aiming for Regional Growth

The Health BIC is one of 21 life science projects supported by the Liverpool City Region Life Sciences Innovation Zone Programme, aiming to attract £800 million in investment and create 8,000 jobs.

Paul Vernon, Executive Director for Business and Innovation at STFC, emphasized the center’s potential:
“Our team of experts will offer tailored support, leveraging our 60+ years of heritage, cutting-edge facilities, and strategic partnerships to help early-stage businesses thrive in the health and life sciences sector.”

Councillor Liam Robinson of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority added:
“This initiative nurtures the health and life sciences stars of the future, creating high-quality jobs and driving prosperity across our city region.”

Getting Involved

The Health BIC is open to health and life sciences businesses based in the Liverpool City Region that are less than five years old. Interested companies can contact James Mooney, STFC Business Manager, at health_bic_enquiries@stfc.ac.uk.

This launch signifies a pivotal step in enhancing the region’s health and life sciences sector, driving innovation, and positioning the Liverpool City Region as a hub for cutting-edge research and commercial success.

Media Contacts:

Joanne Carr
Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs
T: +44 (0)7825 434900
E: jocarr@liverpool.ac.uk

Catrin Owen
Media Relations Manager – Humanities and Social Sciences
T: +44 (0)7721 834238
E: catrin.owen@liverpool.ac.uk

Sarah Stamper
Media Relations Manager – Science and Engineering
T: +44 (0)7970 247396
E: sarah.stamper@liverpool.ac.uk

Jennifer Morgan
Media Relations Manager – Health and Life Sciences
T: +44 (0)7775 547589
E: J.L.Morgan@liverpool.ac.uk

Alison Cornmell
Media Relations Manager – Health and Life Sciences
T: +44 (0) 7771 700680
E: Alison.Cornmell@liverpool.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Liverpool