Heriot-Watt University and InnoScot Health to accelerate medtech innovation

The agreement will see Heriot-Watt University’s Medical Device Manufacturing Centre (MDMC) collaborate with InnoScot Health to realise innovations from healthcare professionals, focussing initially on identifying new healthcare technologies and the development of prototype medical devices by engaging with clinicians, doctors, nurses, and engineering students.

“This mutually beneficial agreement builds on our successful long-standing relationship with Heriot-Watt University and pools our significant collective expertise,” said Graham Watson, executive chair of InnoScot Health. “It is a landmark moment that will serve to accelerate medical and healthcare opportunities in the first instance with vast possibilities thereafter.”

The MDMC helps Scotland’s SMEs to translate medical device concepts into commercial products by offering free advice on, and access to, manufacturing, engineering, regulatory issues and funding. InnoScot Health works in partnership with NHS Scotland, providing intellectual property advice, regulatory expertise, and project management services to support the development and commercialisation of clinical products.

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Professor Marc Desmulliez, manager of the MDMC at Heriot-Watt University, said: “Scotland is renowned for its innovation in health, pioneering techniques and medical devices that are now used worldwide. 

“In just two years, the MDMC has created a unique business collaboration model, working with more than 60 companies, accelerating the progression of ideas to market and the adoption of medical devices into clinical settings. Specialist training is fundamental to our continued success, and we are confident this new strategic partnership will further accelerate Scotland’s innovative medtech SMEs, ultimately benefitting and improving patient care. We are looking forward to putting this partnership into practice.”

“Entrepreneurialism and collaboration lie at the heart of Heriot-Watt University,” said Dr Gillian Murray, deputy principal for business and enterprise at Heriot-Watt University. “This partnership has enormous potential to positively impact Scotland’s medical device sector by working closely with clinical individuals and teams that have a first-hand understanding of our healthcare technology needs and the solutions needed to meet them.”