Region’s life sciences sector hails funding boost

Two North East organisations have welcomed the Government’s commitment to boost the region’s life sciences sector with significant new funding. 

The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) and law firm Square One Law, who earlier this year called for improved infrastructure and funding, have hailed the Government’s announcement today (Monday, June 23), as part of its Modern Industrial Strategy, that it is to invest £380 million in engineering biology. 

This funding forms part of a wider £1 billion plan to support UK tech innovators, allocating £184 million specifically for infrastructure that bridges the gap between laboratory research and commercial applications. 

Additionally, £196 million has been designated for research and development through the National Engineering Biology Programme.

Peter Kyle MP, secretary of state for science, innovation and technology, said: “Britain is full of ambitious risk-takers driven by a desire to innovate and improve people’s everyday lives. 

“It is on us in Government to match that boldness by investing in our country’s immense potential and embracing businesses who can drive that change and grow our economy.

“From quantum computers that could revolutionise drug discovery and make the NHS fit for the future, to sustainable fuels that can make the UK a clean energy superpower, science and technology has a key part to play in delivering our modern Industrial Strategy to renew our country and support our Plan for Change.”

The Government’s plan backs research into cell-cultivated meats, climate-resilient crops and life-saving medicines – positioning the North East as a potential leader in cutting-edge biotech.

The announcement also directly responds to challenges highlighted by CPI and Square One Law’s joint sector report, which found strong business confidence but exposed major disparities in access to lab space and innovation hubs.

Helen Brain, head of commercial and life sciences at Square One Law, worked closely with CPI and businesses across the industry on The North East Pharma, Health, Tech & Life Sciences Landscape Survey 2024, which was released in February.

Speaking after today’s announcement, she said: “Two of the major challenges brought to the fore by our survey were funding disparities and the lack of available, high-quality workspace for the region’s life sciences SMEs, so it’s fantastic to see the Government actively seeking to address these challenges head-on by investing so heavily into engineering biology.

“By increasing funding for start-ups and scale-ups and establishing more innovation hubs and labs, it is ensuring our innovative businesses operating in this space have the funding, space and resources required to realise their potential, be it developing the vaccines, medicines or sustainable food production of tomorrow, expanding their global footprint or creating more high-quality jobs and retaining staff in the region.

“It will provide a huge lift to businesses the length and breadth of the UK, particularly in areas such as the North East where the life sciences sector already supports over 15,000 jobs and is worth £2.7 billion to the regional economy.”

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