Applications are now being accepted for the new #ONELifeSciences Accelerator that will support up to eight pre-start or early-stage life sciences businesses in north east Scotland and starts in March.
The 2021 accelerator is the third time that ONE has partnered with @biocitygroup, the pioneering life science incubator and business collective, to deliver dedicated sector commercialisation and business growth support.
To date, 14 people developing nine businesses have been supported by ONE Life Sciences accelerators. ONE continues to work and engage with them, helping the founders at various stages of their start-up and company growth journeys.
Life sciences entrepreneurs in the region have gained significant benefits from their participation.
Dr Fiona Rudkin, CEO of mycoBiologics, a University of Aberdeen biotech spinout, said: “The ONE Life Sciences Accelerator delivered by BioCity was transformational for me and mycoBiologics. The programme challenged me to question my assumptions, and in doing so develop a more robust business proposition. I have no doubt that the experience and knowledge I gained from this programme was a key factor in mycoBiologics securing a substantial amount of funding to drive our therapeutic programmes forward and develop the commercial strategy.”
Carol Rafferty is CEO of Dentherapy Ltd, a research and development company creating new therapeutic products – Toothboost Technology – for the oral care market. She said: “Having taken part in the first ONE Life Sciences Accelerator I wouldn’t hesitate in saying go for it. If you think it may be too early in your technology or product concept development, I would advise this is exactly the time to explore and test your ideas.”
Dr Lionel Broche is a researcher from the University of Aberdeen who is developing a novel type of medical imaging device. He said: “Researchers are often working aside from the industry, which gives them independence but also creates a gap of skills and networks that make it difficult to spread academic innovation to the world. The ONE Life Sciences accelerator programme provides a rare opportunity to better understand the industrialisation process.”
