Work is well underway on Nottingham Trent University’s new Medical Technologies Innovation Facility (MTIF) at the Boots site, which is part of the Nottingham Enterprise Zone.
The facility – part of NTU’s dual-site £23million MTIF project – will be dedicated to the development, clinical production and commercialisation of new medical technologies and is due to be completed in autumn 2020.
MTIF will focus on the development of innovative products and advanced materials to meet future healthcare needs. A key aim is to improve patient care by speeding up medical product development and getting innovations to market as quickly as possible – critical for patients, businesses, the NHS and regional economic growth.
Representatives from the university and key partners on the project will attend a celebration event at the Boots site on January 16 to mark the building work.
The facility will provide access to a unique set of resources for the development of new products. This includes laboratories, clean rooms, technologies and expertise for processing, prototype development and clinical manufacturing processes.
Work also started earlier this year on a building at NTU’s Clifton Campus – due for completion in summer 2020 – which will focus on research, linking academics with industry to provide a multidisciplinary approach to medical technology development.
The overall MTIF project – supported by £9.7m from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, through its Local Growth Fund allocation – will form strategic alliances with a range of organisations to help ensure effective support to companies and researchers.
Once launched it is expected to become a major specialist innovation asset within the developing Midlands Engine area.
“At NTU we are finding new ways for researchers and innovators to collaborate and share ideas and to do so in a way that creates outstanding impact and opportunities for society,” said Professor Mark Biggs, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of College of Science and Technology at NTU, and MTIF sponsor on the University Executive Team.
He said: “MTIF embodies that, transforming world-class research and innovation into new medical products and technologies that will help to improve people’s lives across the UK and beyond.”
Managing Director for MTIF, Professor Mike Hannay, said: “The MTIF building is an integral part of our mission to accelerate the development of innovative medical technologies that improve the lives of patients and stimulate economic growth in our region. The investments in MTIF are building a unique ‘bench to bedside’ infrastructure for medical technology in the East Midlands.”
Elizabeth Fagan, Chair of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership and Non-Executive Chair, Boots UK, said: “D2N2 is proud to have invested over £9.7m from the Local Growth Fund into the dual-site Medical Technologies Innovation Facility (MTIF) on NTU Clifton campus and the Boots site, which is part of the Nottingham Enterprise Zone.
“I speak for Boots too in saying we’re delighted to welcome this new facility to the site. The location has an amazing history of innovation in healthcare and wellbeing, and MTIF will join a growing cluster of medical technology businesses. This is a great example of how joint investment and partnership can drive business innovation both in the region and the UK.”
The Minister for Local Growth, Rt Hon Jake Berry MP, said: “We are committed to boosting economic growth across the whole of the Midlands Engine and building a country that works for everyone.
“Our growing Med Tech sector not only helps patients get better treatment but also plays a dynamic role in driving forward the economic growth of the UK so I’m delighted that £9.7million from the Local Growth Fund is being invested in Nottingham Trent University’s new dual site Medical Technologies Innovation Facility.”
The main contractor for the work at the Boots site, part of the Nottingham Enterprise Zone, is GF Tomlinson.
Chris Flint, director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We’re pleased that works have now started to provide the new Medical Technologies Innovation Facility for Nottingham Trent University at the Boots site, part of the Nottingham Enterprise Zone. The new facility will enhance the university’s current offering and allow it to enhance its life-changing research in medical development and modern scientific technology.
“This project adds to our portfolio of higher education projects, further strengthening our ongoing relationship with Nottingham Trent University. G F Tomlinson are thrilled to be able to continually support learning and development across the Midlands.”