It will also develop a directory of companies working in advanced therapies in the region, including detail on their expertise and offerings. With this directory, the CGT Catapult aims to create an invaluable source of information for the industry, helping organisations gain awareness of each other’s capabilities and encourage more connections, collaborations and partnerships between academia and industry to advance the sector.

There are over 700 life sciences organisations in Scotland, employing over 41,000 people. The sector is continuing to grow, with it securing 8% growth each year since 2010 and it is on track to reach a turnover of £8 billion by 2025.[1]

With the life sciences industry in Scotland thriving, the CGT Catapult believes there is an opportunity to build an ecosystem and community in the north of the UK which facilitates crucial knowledge exchange and helps organisations connect with others, helping organisations work together to bring more potentially life changing treatments to patients.

The launch of the network follows the opening of CGT Catapult’s site on Edinburgh BioQuarter in June 2023. These state-of-the-art laboratories and offices provide resources and technology, as well as access to industry expertise, to help cell therapy developers improve their manufacturing processes and navigate the complex regulatory requirements involved in developing and bringing their therapies to market.

Matthew Durdy, Chief Executive of the CGT Catapult, said: “ Scotland has a strong life sciences sector. When people in our industry come together to learn and exchange ideas, with each other and with visiting speakers, powerful collaborations emerge. We believe this Scottish Enterprise supported initiative will result in an even stronger sector and exciting new technologies.”

Victoria Carmichael, Commercial Director at Scottish Enterprise, added: “ This network is sure to have a hugely positive effect on the work of the CGT Catapult. We’re really keen to see increased collaboration between our innovative advanced therapies companies and more partnership working with universities and colleges – because we know that great things happen when knowledge, expertise and ideas are shared.”

The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult) officially opened its its first site in Scotland in June 2023. The new laboratories and offices, located on Edinburgh BioQuarter, were opened by Michael Matheson, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care.

Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult opens new space on Edinburgh BioQuarter