9 December 2009
A £24million investment in life sciences is to be confirmed with the green light for a new 10,000sq m bioincubator at the landmark Edinburgh BioQuarter.
The facility, at the heart of the Scottish life sciences cluster, is to be jointly funded by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills through the Strategic Investment Fund and Scottish Enterprise. The funding is part of a package of measures to help stimulate growth and keep Britain among the best places in the world to start and grow a business.
Confirming the new investment, Jim Murphy said:
"This is a massive boost for the economy in Edinburgh, Scotland and the whole UK.
"Our life science sector is a vital part of a rebalanced economy producing long term sustainable and resilient growth. It's also an area where Scotland has a real edge. Today's funding will help create the high value industries and jobs of the future, while attracting further private investment."
Lena Wilson, chief executive, Scottish Enterprise, said:
"This injection of funding is a very welcome boost for the BioQuarter and the life sciences sector in Scotland as a whole. The BioQuarter is one of the largest projects of its type in Europe and this funding will allow the partners to cement Scotland's position as one of the most dynamic locations for life sciences globally."
The Life Sciences Sector has been identified as one of the key sectors under the Government's New Industry New Jobs agenda. Investment in this bioincubator is part of wider Government efforts to ensure the bioscience industry is best placed to drive future growth and prosperity, and can compete globally and continue to deliver healthcare improvements.
This investment sits alongside the range of policy measures being delivered by the Office for Life Sciences to improve the business environment for life science companies in the UK.
The bioincubator is targeted at start-up and spin-out biotechnology companies, helping to create 200 highly skilled and high value added jobs in Edinburgh over five years. It will offer access to high-cost specialised equipment, advice, mentoring and expertise, improving their successful product development.
The Strategic Investment Fund was announced in the April 2009 Budget with £750 million for industrial innovation, job creation and growth.
In the eight months since its creation, the Strategic Investment Fund has committed to investments in Britain's emerging industrial strengths, including low carbon vehicles, wind and wave power, life sciences and new technologies in plastics, chemicals, composites and advanced manufacturing.
European Commission research found SME success rates with Incubation support are 80-90% compared with 30-50% in the wider SME community.