Kent Science Park, scientists and businesses involved in the life science sector across Kent gathered at Discovery Park for the launch of the BioGateway in Kent on Tuesday 23rd June.
Kent is one of the fastest growing centres for life science in the UK, with more than 150 companies employing over 6,800 life science professionals. It’s evident that Kent is home to a huge life science cluster but one that operates with no effective support network in place. Spearheaded by Locate in Kent and Kent county Council who exposed a gap in the market, the BioGateway was created with extensive input from Kent Science Park and companies alike.
BioGateway is a network hoping to attract life science companies, associations and institutes in order to build Europe’s most complete life science network and create an environment, which will stimulate and enhance evolution and success.
The event was well attended, with over 200 people visiting the science park in Sandwich. Delegates heard from Genea Biomedx, Pfizer, Locate in Kent and Alex Watson, who was tasked with creating the BioGateway.
Simon Westbrook, acting chairman for BioGateway and chief executive of pain-relief developer Levicept, said: “Over the last two years, there has been unprecedented growth in the number of companies moving into the region, with Kent becoming one of the fastest growing centres for the life sciences in the UK. If we look at an innovation heat map, Kent is thriving! BioGateway was founded to create a focus for this vibrant community.”
Tommy Dolan, Vice President for Pfizer at Discovery Park said: “Collaboration opens the doors to innovation. To successfully compete requires that collaboration balance, both globally and nationally. Paradoxically, the enduring competitive advantages in a global economy lie increasingly in local things – knowledge, relationships and motivation that distant rivals cannot match”.
James Speck, Site Director at Kent Science Park, commented on the success of the BioGateway Launch: “The turnout was extremely positive at Discovery Park this week and we are pleased to be involved at KSP. Over 150 life science companies have chosen to operate in Kent so it is essential we have a community that supports this. March 2016 will see KSP host the first of a series of European Networking events with a focus on potential co-development opportunities. We hope to attract delegates from Northern and Western Europe and create a unique opportunity to be part of the BioGateway in Kent”.
More details regarding next year’s event will be released in due course.
For more information the BioGateway, please visit www.biogateway.co.uk.