BioCity CEO to deliver key address at BioScotland on 30th April
Released: Friday 26th April 2013
Ushering in a new era for Scottish life sciences
Scotland, UK: BioCity CEO to deliver key address at BioScotland on 30th April
Commenting ahead of his address to the gathering of sector experts at BioScotland on 30 April, Dr Crocker identifies several factors working together to have a profound impact on the long term future of the life sciences sector in Scotland.
A combination of new investment funding, the introduction of collaborative research initiatives such as the Technology Innovation Centres and the IMI European Lead Factory compound drug discovery programme based at BioCity Scotland, coupled with new opportunities arising from the restructuring of global pharmaceutical companies heralds a new era in the development of great scientific ideas, he says.
Dr Crocker will address the gathering of Scottish healthcare, biotechnology and pharmaceutical experts at the University of Strathclyde’s annual BioScotland conference and exhibition. He will expand on the findings of his report into UK life science start-ups published last December¹ and will reflect on the latest Scottish initiatives to boost life science innovation, start-ups and business growth. With active Scottish Government support for the sector and university spin-out activity ahead of the rest of the UK, the country has the potential to attract ambitious new ventures and significant interest from investors.
“I am encouraged by what I see coming together to benefit the Scottish life sciences sector. Not only is there high-level government commitment to providing support and funding for innovative new companies, but also the practical infrastructure in bio-science business incubation, not only at BioCity Scotland but in Edinburgh, Glasgow and within the leading research institutions. If we combine this with access to specific UK funding streams as well as a strong private Scottish Angels network, new companies with growth potential should thrive here.
“We may still have to work to attract bigger private investors and VC interest so firms can rapidly scale-up, but I believe they will soon look beyond London and the South East for exciting commercial returns.”
BioScotland will take place in The Barony Hall at the University of Strathclyde on Tuesday 30 April. BioCity Scotland is supporting the event and seeking to talk to companies looking for laboratory, office space and routes to finance, as well as shared facilities and access to scientific equipment.
ENDS
Dr Glenn Crocker is available for interview.
Fraser Black, MD of BioCity Scotland is also available for interview.
Press contact
Louise Third, Director Integra Communications
Tel: +44 (0) 115 912 4350
E-mail: louise@integracommunications.co.uk
Scotland on Sunday article available here: http://www.scotsman.com/scotland-on-sunday/business/life-sciences-firms-told-to-think-bigger-1-2912403
