Life Sciences in the South of Scotland – Innovation, ambition and collaboration
In the first dedicated session of its kind, South of Scotland’s ambitious life sciences sector came together to discuss the significant opportunities on offer for the industry in our region.
In a session we hosted at our new Borderlands Deep Tech Accelerator Hub in Hawick, the event highlighted the breadth of innovation already taking place across the area, from biotechnology and pharmaceuticals to environmental technologies, diagnostics and advanced manufacturing.
What stood out most was the ambition, resilience and determination of the businesses in the room, many of whom are tackling global challenges from a rural base.
Conversations focused on
• Opportunities for life sciences businesses in the region
• Access to innovation infrastructure, laboratory facilities and specialist equipment
• Funding, investment and routes to commercialisation
• Skills, talent attraction and stronger connections with universities and colleges
• Property, transport and infrastructure challenges
• Building a more connected life sciences ecosystem and strengthening links to national cluster activity
With the Scottish Government in attendance, discussions also explored how the South of Scotland can play an even greater role in Scotland’s life sciences sector through continued collaboration between businesses, the Scottish Government, academia, investors and support organisations.
Turning ideas into action
From ideas around shared lab facilities and attracting investment into the region, to strengthening talent pipelines and increasing the visibility of South of Scotland innovation, the discussion generated a number of practical actions that we will take forward.
Jane Morrison-Ross, SOSE Chief Executive added:
“We want to thank everyone who travelled from across Scotland to take part and contribute to this first dedicated session involving life sciences businesses in the South of Scotland.
“The energy in the room demonstrated that there is real momentum behind the sector and a shared commitment to ensuring the South of Scotland is recognised as a place to innovate, invest, grow and build world-class businesses.”