Plans have been submitted for a new facility focusing on the commercialisation of medical devices and technologies, which is seeking major D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership funding.
Part of Nottingham Trent University’s dual-site Medical Technologies Innovation Facility (MTIF), the new building would be based on the Boots Enterprise Zone in Nottingham.
The MTIF project will aim to improve patient care quality by speeding up medical product development and getting innovations to market as rapidly as possible –critical for business survival, growth and profitability.
This development is occurring in conjunction with an already-approved £15m multidisciplinary research and development building at the University’s Clifton Campus, which will integrate the work of scientists, engineers, clinicians and med-tech entrepreneurs.
They will work collaboratively to develop innovative products and advanced materials to meet the future needs of healthcare.
The facility on the Boots Enterprise Zone would then be utilised to focus on pilot production and commercialisation.
The facility will provide access to laboratories, clean rooms, technologies and expertise for processing, prototype development and preparing manufacturing processes.
The overall MTIF project – which is seeking £9.7m from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, through its Local Growth Fund allocation – will form strategic alliances with a range of organisations to help ensure effective support to companies and researchers.
Once launched it is expected to become a major specialist innovation asset within the developing Midlands Engine area.
Nottingham Trent University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Edward Peck, said: “Medical technology is one the real strengths of the local economy, one of the real strengths of Nottingham Trent University and a major priority for the Midlands Engine, so this is both a timely and exciting development.”
Professor Mark Biggs, Head of the College of Science and Technology at Nottingham Trent University, said: “We want to help accelerate new product development for med-tech companies by providing them access to world-class facilities and expertise. This project will be a catalyst for helping to drive innovation and new discovery.”
Sajeeda Rose, Chief Executive of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “D2N2 are pleased to see that Nottingham Trent University, have submitted plans for their proposed MTIF facility on the Boots Enterprise Zone.
“The project is a great example of one of our universities working with the private sector to develop a new facility for our life sciences sector to improve its productivity through R&D and innovation. We hope to invest £9.7m in this facility subject to a final business case approval.”
Mark Chivers, Director of the Nottingham Enterprise Zone at Boots UK, said: “The vision for the Nottingham Enterprise Zone is to create a UK centre in health, beauty and wellbeing in Nottingham. We are supporting this initiative to create a vibrant business site that will improve the local economy and allow a number of start-ups and small and medium enterprises to develop and grow.
“Our work to create the Nottingham Enterprise Zone is part of our ongoing commitment to innovation and being an incubator for young businesses in the East Midlands.
“We are delighted that Nottingham Trent University has submitted plans for its dual-site Medical Technologies Innovation Facility, based in the Nottingham Enterprise Zone. The company is a perfect fit for our vision for the site and we look forward to supporting them going forward.”
The building work will begin this summer and is expected to take about a year to complete.
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