Open-access biotech labs launch at Manchester Science Park

A new open-access laboratory for early-stage biotech and medtech companies has launched in the North West.

BiOspace, located at Manchester Science Park, was set up to provide pay-as-you-go access to state-of-the-art facilities and multi-million pound equipment.

The labs are a joint venture between science and technology park operator Manchester Science Partnerships (MSP) and one of its customers, biotech company Protein Technologies Limited (PTL).

Representing a first in open-access lab space in Manchester, the facility will also give customers access to training, delivered by PhD scientists, on drug discovery, protein production, diagnostics development and prototyping medical devices.

Two other MSP customers have committed to making their facilities and equipment available to those based at BiOspace; Lucid, which offers expertise on electronics, user interaction, prototyping and medical device design, and LIG Biowise, a firm working on nanotechnology in biotech.

MSP managing director Thomas Renn said: “We’re passionate about supporting innovative businesses at every stage of their life cycle.

“We’re committed to providing open access to cutting edge facilities and are incredibly pleased to launch BiOspace with our partners at PTL.”

He continued: “Promising start-ups now have the chance to base themselves in the heart of Manchester’s innovation district, in close proximity to our partner universities and NHS institutions, while accessing MSP’s facilities and networks on a flexible basis.

“Building on the launch of the open-access laboratory at our Alderley Park campus, we have an offer that is unrivalled in the UK, and compelling to an international customer base.”

PTL chair and BiOspace founder Dr. Farid Khan commented: “By providing pay-as-you-go access to multi-million pound equipment, and the expertise to accompany it, we’re removing barriers to bright, individual scientists developing tomorrow’s breakthrough treatments.

“Manchester has Europe’s largest student population, and ready access to grant funding through the Greater Manchester and Cheshire Life Sciences Fund and GM Academic Health Science Network, and the Business Growth Hub. The city region has a healthy mix of novel ideas, and the financial support to see them realised.”

He added: “BiOspace offers the ideal environment for interdisciplinary collaboration, with experts in biology, 3D printing, electronics and software development coworking in one facility.”