A NEW £7.3 million advanced bio-medical engineering laboratory - a strategic partnership between Invest NI, Ulster University, Randox Laboratories and Heartsine Technologies - is due to officially open today.
Based at Ulster University, it will offer expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to assist companies develop prototypes for the biomedical, engineering, electronic device and aerospace sectors.
Invest NI has offered an R&D grant of £3.7m towards the scheme, with Ulster University contributing £2.9m and another £716,000 coming through industry collaborations with Randox and Heartsine.
Ulster University Professor Jim McLaughlin, who is leading the project, said: “Developing technology platforms to help translate our world class science and discovery to a device format as promptly as possible is essential for the very best design and performance.
“In healthcare technology, Ulster University leads the way in the development of new patient monitoring systems, stimulation devices, wearable solutions and diagnostic sensing.
"The lab will enable our researchers to develop the strong leadership and innovation skills so critical to future industry growth, working in collaboration with our industry partners.”
Tracey Meharg, Invest NI’s executive director of business solutions said: “The new lab is a welcome and exciting development for Northern Ireland’s health & life sciences sector.
"The facility will open up opportunities for stronger innovation by hosting a suite of equipment which will allow companies to quickly develop prototypes and medical devices for testing.
“It is a great example of how partnerships between government, industry and academia can enhance Northern Ireland as a knowledge economy and boost the credibility and visibility of the region as a global leader in connected health.”
Dr Peter FitzGerald from Randox Laboratories, one of the UK’s leading life sciences companies, said: “We are delighted to be a partner in this innovative collaboration and to promote Northern Ireland as a global life sciences hub.
“We believe the greatest improvements to patients’ lives are possible through the continuous development of new technologies. This unique laboratory will facilitate that, as it will allow the rapid development of test prototype devices and also assist us to expand our unique range of high-calibre analyser systems.”
