Multi-million pound biomedical cluster in Dundee gets green light
The project, which is part of the Tay Cities Deal, will help the post-COVID-19 recovery through the development of new medicines.
Work to build on Dundee’s world-class expertise in biomedical sciences is set to begin after the ‘Growing the Tay Cities Biomedical Cluster’ project was officially signed off by the Tay Cities Region Joint Committee today.
The project will help the post-COVID-19 recovery through the development of new medicines, innovative medical technologies and the provision of high-quality new jobs, according to the University of Dundee academics leading it.
The Biomedical Cluster project has received initial funding of £25 million from the Scottish Government as part of the Tay Cities Deal. The project builds on the University’s world-class expertise in life sciences research, drug discovery and medical innovation.
The Tay Cities Deal is a partnership between the UK and Scottish governments along with public and private organisations across Angus, Dundee, Fife and Perth & Kinross that together will invest up to £700 million in projects promoting sustainable and inclusive prosperity for the region.
I's predicted that some 280 new biomedical jobs will be created by 2033, rising to 800 new jobs and over £190 million benefit to the local economy by 2053.
Growing the Tay Cities Biomedical Cluster is being delivered in partnership with NHS Tayside.
Central to the project is the creation of an Innovation Hub at Dundee Technopole, adjacent to the University’s School of Life Sciences. This will fill a critical gap – the ability to house new high-growth spinout companies generated from the region’s burgeoning research activity.
A strong pipeline of new companies will be accommodated and supported through their high-growth phase. Company formation will be powered by inward investment and will provide high-quality employment, backed by training opportunities delivered by the Tay Cities higher education sector. Construction of the Innovation Hub will commence later this year and is scheduled to open in mid-2023.
The space will host cutting-edge equipment and unique cadaveric facilities supporting key areas such as image-guided technology and robotics surgery as well as collaborative projects, including the use of digital and gaming solutions in medical practice. Construction work to repurpose the building will commence this year, with projects moving into the facility from late Autumn 2022.
John Alexander, leader of Dundee City Council, said, “It has been clear from the outset that the Tay Cities Deal would not only invigorate the area by encouraging and supporting new developments, it would also play to what were already strengths in the city's economy.
“Life sciences is one of those areas where we have been leading the way for a number of years and with the committee's approval of the Biomedical Cluster, we will build on that to boost employment, opportunities and innovation now and into the future.”
The University is leading two major projects within the Tay Cities Deal. In addition to Growing the Tay Cities Biomedical Cluster, a further £15 million of UK Government funding has been earmarked for JustTech, which will capitalise on the University’s world-class strengths in forensic science.
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