Life sciences start-up programme | ONE

The ONE Life Sciences Start-up Programme will help academics, clinicians, researchers and others to take their first steps towards creating businesses developing new therapeutics, medical technology and digital healthcare solutions.

Starting in September, four 90-minute online workshops held over four weeks will enable participants to quickly assess the viability of a business idea and develop a value proposition. The programme will give them the knowledge and confidence to take the first steps to start a life sciences company. The final workshop will involve participants pitching their business concepts to an expert panel, with the most promising two going on to receive further development support.

ONE is working with the UK's most significant science incubator BioCity Group to deliver this programme. Participants will include life sciences and medical researchers considering commercialising their research, potential entrepreneurs with a commercial proposition in a life science or digital health subject, and NHS staff.

Applications for the programme, fully funded by ONE, are now being accepted and close on 4 September 2020. The programme starts on 10 September 2020. Further information is available here.

North east Scotland has significant life sciences strengths in its academic, commercial, clinical and research communities in areas including biologics, health data science, medical imaging and MedTech. The start-up programme, part of ONE's work with partners and investment in the sector's growth, will accelerate research and innovation commercialisation. Industry's ambition is to double the number of life sciences companies based in the region.

Prof Stephen Logan, chair of the ONE Life Sciences sector board, said: "There are talented innovators in our life sciences, clinical, digital and academic communities. Their research and ideas could positively change healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. This programme, delivered with BioCity, will support them in assessing the commercial viability of their concepts and help them to develop their propositions.

"Successfully transitioning work from the lab, desktop and laptop into clinical and commercial settings will build the region's health economy and help to address major health challenges. For scientists and non-scientists, this start-up programme is an unrivalled opportunity to access expert support to begin that journey."