Scotland-Massachusetts Bio-Bridge welcomed

The UK government has committed £49,000, including Brand Scotland funding, to the initiative, which has been matched by the Scottish government.

The Bio-Bridge programme will see delegations visit each side of the Atlantic to promote learning and partnership.

Scotland’s life sciences sector features more than 700 businesses and exports are valued at around £4.9 billion, with an ambition to grow to £25 billion by 2035. 

The Bio-Bridge “offers the opportunity to connect and learn from established organisations in the United States, while also promoting opportunities in Scotland for US companies”.

Scotland Secretary Douglas Alexander said: “By investing in the Bio-Bridge, the UK government is backing Scottish businesses to grow domestically and internationally. Creating opportunities, like this link with organisations in Massachusetts, puts Scotland at the forefront of healthcare developments that will improve lives across the world.

“The UK government is determined to drive growth as we build a pro-business culture and an innovation-led economy in all parts of the UK.

“Scotland is globally recognised for excellence in healthcare innovation – from therapeutics and diagnostics, to clinical research and digital healthcare.”

Mr Alexander joined First Minister John Swinney and more than 100 venture capitalists, life science businesses and academics at the University of Edinburgh on Thursday to officially launch the Bio-Bridge initiative at a special session of The Venture Café.

Governor of Massachusetts, Maura Healey, said: “I’m proud of the strong relationship Massachusetts and Scotland have built over the years, and of the ambition, innovation and spirit of collaboration that has brought us together. 

“This Bio-Bridge brings our world-class life sciences communities even closer, creating new opportunities to turn great ideas into breakthroughs that improve lives. I’m excited to support this work and see what we can achieve together.“ 

Richard Gibbs office managing partner based in intellectual property law firm Marks & Clerk’s Glasgow office and life sciences specialist, said: “Representing an exciting opportunity for life sciences businesses on both sides of the Atlantic, the initiative aims to strengthen links between Scotland’s thriving life sciences sector and the globally renowned ecosystem in Massachusetts.

“Scotland’s first minister, John Swinney, and the secretary of state for Scotland, Douglas Alexander, both highlighted the significant potential of the Bio-Bridge and its alignment with UK and Scottish government ambitions to drive economic growth through innovation. Partnering with Boston is a shrewd move. As one of the world’s leading life sciences and technology clusters, it offers Scotland the opportunity to deepen collaboration and encourage a two-way flow of expertise, investment and innovation.”