The UK Government has committed £49,000 to the new Scotland-Massachusetts Bio-Bridge, an initiative launched on Thursday, 10 September, at the University of Edinburgh. This funding, which includes Brand Scotland funding, has been matched by the Scottish Government.
The Bio-Bridge aims to link companies in Scotland with academic, pharmaceutical, and development expertise in the Boston and Cambridge areas of Massachusetts. The programme will involve delegations visiting both sides of the Atlantic to promote learning and partnership.
Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander stated that the investment backs Scottish businesses for domestic and international growth, aiming to position Scotland at the forefront of healthcare developments. He added that the UK Government seeks to drive growth and build an innovation-led economy across the UK.
First Minister John Swinney and Governor of Massachusetts Maura Healey joined Mr Alexander at the official launch. Governor Healey expressed pride in the relationship between Massachusetts and Scotland, highlighting the Bio-Bridge's potential to bring their life sciences communities closer and create new opportunities for breakthroughs.
Scotland's life sciences sector includes over 700 businesses, with exports valued at approximately £4.9 billion and an ambition to reach £25 billion by 2035. The Bio-Bridge is intended to facilitate connections and learning from established organisations in the United States, while also promoting opportunities in Scotland for US companies.