The Scottish Government has launched a programme for the development of new healthtech and life science products in clinical settings across the country.
Named Techscaler, it is being supported by a £42 million investment as will involve providing participating young companies with access to NHS regional test beds. They will be able to work with clinicians and have access to patients and anonymised data to test products and services.
Companies already using the test beds will automatically become part of the Techscaler network.
Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray announced the move during a visit to Bioliberty in Edinburgh, which uses robotics in the rehabilitation and assistance of stroke survivors. The company will be one of 14 from the healthtech and life science sector in the programme.
Supporting growth
Gray said: This partnership will be able to leverage our world leading universities, life sciences hubs and excellent healthcare systems to support the growth of the sector and development of entrepreneurs.
“Testing products in a real world environment and accelerating development is vital, and will enable a broader reach of the Techscaler programme. This in turn will benefit patients and medical staff as they develop cutting edge technology for use across the NHS, from stroke and rehabilitation through to reducing drug related deaths.”
Creation of the Techscaler programme was one of the recommendations in the review of the technology ecosystem led for the Scottish Government by Professor Mark Logan. It said access will be offered online and offline and there are plans to connect the ecosystem with international start-ups.
