News Story

The UK and Scottish governments have joined together to fund science collaboration with the United States.

The “Scotland-Massachusetts Bio-Bridge” will bring business leaders from Massachusetts to Scotland to explore investment and collaboration opportunities.

It will also support Scottish life sciences companies looking to expand into the US through investor introductions, commercial partnerships and provide assistance navigating regulations and access to healthcare providers.

Both the UK Government and the Scottish Government are contributing £49,000 towards the programme.

UK Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander joined First Minister John Swinney to announce the new initiative during a launch event at the University of Edinburgh’s Futures Institute hosted by Venture Café.

Mr Alexander said the funding will put Scotland at the “forefront of healthcare developments”.

He 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.”

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

Mr Swinney said the bio-bridge connection would help to promote opportunities in Scotland for US companies.

The First Minister said: “Scotland and Massachusetts share a special connection that continues to grow, from the World Cup, when the Tartan Army captured the hearts of millions around the world, to the twinning of the cities of Glasgow and Boston.

“This new bio-bridge builds on those ties, creating fresh opportunities for economic growth on both sides of the Atlantic while strengthening Scotland’s position as a world-leading centre of life sciences innovation and discovery.

“Our newly-published programme for government will help build on the sector’s existing strengths and accelerate future growth through reduced regulatory barriers and stronger partnerships between industry, the NHS and care providers, helping to attract further investment and create high-value jobs across Scotland.”

The initiative will see delegations from Scotland and Massachusetts partner and visit to share learning.

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.”