Life sciences incubator, BioCity, has won a contract tendered by Scottish Enterprise to provide specialist support and advice to all its life science start-ups in Scotland.

The minimum three-year contract will see BioCity provide specialist coaches and consultants to help and support the next generation of life science start-ups in Scotland to achieve their potential.

BioCity is already providing key support to a number of Scottish start-ups through programmes at its sites near Glasgow and in Aberdeen. This new initiative will allow BioCity to broaden its reach, using its highly commercial approach and unparalleled network in the sector to provide support for life science and healthcare start-ups chosen for support by Scottish Enterprise (SE).

To support the programme, BioCity has teamed up with highly experienced and connected individuals from across the life sciences industry, who will be coaches to the Scottish start-ups.

Commenting on the team of specialist coaches, Toby Reid, Managing Director of BioCity Group, said: “These guys have been there and done it. They want to put something back and are keen to use their experience and connections to promote growth and success within Scotland’s life sciences start-ups.”

Programme coach and Founder and Director of TherapeutAix, Darcey Black said: “I am really excited to be working with BioCity on this SE initiative. There are many innovative ideas being developed by start-ups within the life sciences sector in Scotland.

“Together with the other coaches and specialists, I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge and experience with fledgling companies to help them to succeed and bring effective therapies to patients”.

Elaine Baxter, a programme coach and Director of Boutique Innovation added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me use my experience in consumer goods product design and innovation to help the next generation of Scottish life-science start-ups.  There is a real focus on innovation in Scotland right now and being part of the team to help drive it to commercialisation is a great privilege.”

Bill Blair, Venture Capital Fund Adviser and Business Specialist for the programme, said: “I am delighted to support BioCity and Scottish Enterprise in this initiative, which will better equip Scottish life sciences companies in attracting the finance required to become world leaders in their sector.”