Innovative approaches to funding for Scottish life sciences

Scottish Enterprise, Life Science Scotland and the BIA invite you to a day of masterclasses and networking on 16 May 2018 at the Hilton Glasgow (prior to the Scottish Life Sciences Dinner).

The workshops will focus on accessing both government and VC funding, and will feature speakers from key sources, and also from companies who have successfully raised funds discussing their experiences and sharing advice.  A networking lunch will be preceded by an update from the BIA, providing an overview of the current climate for biotech in the UK, and issues affecting innovative life science organisations.

Morning session – Masterclass : R&D funding to support your growth

Scotland has an enviable reputation over centuries of pioneering invention and medical innovation. Life science companies operating in Scotland benefit from a wealth of support for business growth, including a variety of R&D grants.

Whether you are getting involved in R&D for the first time or looking to expand the research and development activities of your company, this event will advise you which grants are best for you.

• Learn about SMART, R&D Grants and Innovation Support, and what makes a successful application.
• Find out how the Knowledge Transfer Network can support you with applications to Innovate UK funding calls.
• Bust the myths of what European Funding is available from Horizon 2020.

9.30 – Registration and coffee

10.00 – R&D Funding to support your growth

Andrew Henderson, Scottish Enterprise

10.05 – A New Approach to Innovation Support from Scottish Enterprise

Andrew Ingram, Scottish Enterprise
Paul Cross, Scottish Enterprise

10.30 – Innovate UK grants

Michael Kipping, Innovate UK

Jim Berryman, Knowledge Transfer Network

11.00 – Horizon 2020 and other European opportunities

Liam Angus, Enterprise Europe Network

11.30 – Q&A

12.00 – BIA update

Martin Turner, BIA

 

Networking Lunch

 

Afternoon session – Masterclass : Successful Life Sciences Fundraising

The UK has the strongest life science and health technology pipeline in Europe with more UK biotech companies maturing and successfully moving through the financing life cycle.    How can you be part of this success?

Scotland has a strong investment environment, with one of the most active early-stage investor networks in Europe and is second only to London in terms of the number of Life Sciences companies raising venture finance. The Scottish Investment Bank is one of the most active Life Sciences investor in the UK.

Whether you are looking for seed funding to start your business or wishing to resource your growth ambitions with venture funding, this event is for you.

• Come and hear what venture investors are really looking for.
• Learn about a selection of key life sciences venture capital funds.
• Learn from the fundraising experience of successful Scottish companies.
• Discover strategies to optimise your communications with investors

13.30 – Welcome

Nooman Haque, Sillicon Valley Bank

13:35 – Fundraising –  a general introduction to being investor ready

Jonathan Lloyd-Hirst, EY

13.50 – Investment support from the Scottish Investment Bank

Michelle Kinnaird, Scottish Investment Bank

14.00 – Panel Discussion: Fundraising lessons from successful Scottish companies

Chair: Nooman Haque, silicon Valley Bank

Ian Stevens BioFilm
Deborah O’Neil, Novabiotics
Mike Leek, TC Biopharm

14.45 – Panel discussion: What are Life Sciences VCs looking for?

Chair: Michelle Kinnaird, Scottish Investment Bank

Bill Blair, Bridge Valley Ventures
Nooman Haque, Silicon Valley Bank
Giovanni Mariggi, Medixci

15.45 – Closing Remarks 

Michelle Kinnaird, Scottish Investment Bank

16.00 – Close