18th May 2018

£13.5m innovation project is delivering ground breaking results

A £13.5m Swansea University-led project has been formally launched.

AgorIP brings together academics, clinicians and businesses to pioneer research into cutting-edge technologies and drive commercial success.

The scheme, which began in January 2016 and will run until December 2020, works with the NHS and industrial partners to turn innovative research into new products, processes and services.

The launch event which took place on 10 May at the University showcased some of the innovative work already underway as a result of the project.

This includes an app developed to help prevent eating disorders, and a simple blood test that could make it easier for GPs to diagnose bowel cancer. Both have been developed in a partnership between scientists at Swansea University and Aneurin Bevan Health Board.

The project has been backed by £6.7m from the Welsh Government and the European Regional Development Fund with additional funding from Swansea University.

Economy Secretary Ken Skates was at the event.  He said: “The AgorIP project is one that is truly worthy of celebration. Projects like the app to prevent eating disorders developed in partnership with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board have the potential to drive tangible results and economic benefits.

“The project is adding genuine value to our innovation goals and demonstrating to the world that the Welsh Government is committed to translating academic research into results that benefit the lives of Welsh people and our wider economy.  Projects like these are crucial in promoting Wales as a global location of choice for innovation, creativity and technology. ”

Health Secretary Vaughan Gething said: “The AgorIP project is full of examples where science and healthcare are working together at the forefront of clinical innovation. I strongly support the NHS working confidently with university and industry partners, linking better health technologies and services to economic growth opportunities in Wales.”

Gerry Ronan who is the Director of AgorIP added: “AgorIP is an exemplar of how Government, Universities, the Private Sector and Inventors/ Creators collaborate and through collaboration, great things can happen!”

Over the last 12 months AgorIP has supported nearly 100 commercial opportunities, which are attracting significant private sector investment and helping create highly skilled, well-paid jobs.

These range from digital tools for university students, early-stage medical devices, diagnostics and therapeutics for cancer, clean technology and many other collaborations with NHS Wales Health Boards.

View AgorIP’s profile here.