Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
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New project to support medical innovation in region's universities
The funding, secured by the University of Leeds through HEFCE’s Medical Technologies Innovation Catalyst project, will translate the region’s best medical technology research into practical products available to patients.
Working closely with the Medical Technologies Innovation and Knowledge Centre (Medical Technologies IKC) at the University of Leeds, the project will give researchers at the five universities involved access to a dedicated innovation team experienced in getting technologies to market.
The announcement comes after the Medical Technologies IKC was awarded an additional £3 million to accelerate commercialisation of regenerative devices nationwide.
Commenting on the recent announcement, Professor Ieuan Ellis, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences and Pro Vice Chancellor at our University, said: “This successful HEFCE bid recognises the strength of the collective expertise in medical technologies within our Leeds City Region and the huge potential for leading and embedding innovation in healthcare through the development and translation of new technologies into practice. Leeds Beckett are a key academic partner in this project, working with universities in our region and with industry partners from medical technology companies. We look forward to shaping this exciting project through contributing our research and educational expertise in health and wellbeing.”
Professor John Fisher, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Leeds and director of the Medical Technologies IKC, said: “The Medical Technologies Innovation Catalyst project will enable us to share the expertise built up within the Medical Technologies IKC over the last five years and to help other universities in the Leeds City Region build capacity in innovation.”
Dr Ceri Williams, Director of Research and Innovation Funding at the University of Leeds, added: “Working with the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), our aim is to establish the region as the preferred location for medical technology innovation and inward investment in the UK. We have 100 medical technology companies in the Leeds City Region working in areas that match well with the research expertise within our universities, so the foundations are set already.”
The Catalyst will provide training and development support in innovation for researchers and academics across the five universities.
Roger Marsh, Chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: “Innovation is critical for the growth of our regional economy, and universities play a key role in both technology translation and development of high level skills. The Leeds City Region is fortunate to have the innovation and translation expertise of the Medical Technologies IKC on its doorstep. Combining those skills and knowledge with the research strengths of the regional universities will offer real advantages to local med tech businesses and the sector as a whole.”
The project will start immediately. Representatives from medical technology companies in the region are encouraged to get in touch with the Medical Technologies IKC to find out about opportunities to collaborate.