An innovation centre for biotechnology and life science companies has been opened in Middlesbrough, UK.
The South Tees Bio-Incubator, located at James Cook University Hospital, will give early stage biotechnology and life sciences companies access to facilities and expertise to support innovations in biomedical research.
The UK's Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) and the Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA) are partners in the initiative, which is being led by the South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The Bio-incubator will provide specialist facilities, expert advice and shared laboratory space.
Companies in the bio-medical sector will be able to use this space to develop technologies and ideas to benefit the healthcare industry.
Consultant Cardiac Surgeon Professor Andrew Owens, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Director of Innovation, said the aim is to 'create a leading-edge hub at the heart of our clinical research campus to accelerate collaboration, technology and knowledge exchange and open innovation'.
The first tenant to use the Bio-Incubator is GlyoSeLect, a spin out from Dublin City University, Ireland.
The firm specialises in the development of glycoprotein separation technology for analysis and manufacturing used in biopharmaceutical production.
GlycoSeLect Chief Executive Robert Dunne said the South Tees Bio-Incubator provides 'an excellent working environment' and the facilities needed to grow the business.
Dr Chris Dowle, Director of Future Business in Healthcare at CPI said there are plans to extend bio-incubation facilities in the Tees Valley by linking up with other supply chain expertise in projects such as the biologics factory of the future/new healthcare solutions centre planned for 2018.
