Hearty welcome for organ firm
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
NEW jobs will be created at Inverness Campus with the arrival of a company which produces hyper-realistic models of human organs.
OrganLike, the latest occupant of life sciences centre Aurora House, draws on the pioneering work of Dr Isaac Wang of Herriot Watt University and Strathclyde University’s Professor Will Shu. They developed advanced 3D printing technology enabling the creation of these models for surgical rehearsal and training.
The products will help to significantly improve surgical outcomes, patient recovery and the efficiency of surgical activities.
Along with private investment, OrganLike has secured a £160,000 start-up grant from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), which is being used to buy equipment and materials, develop the product and to recruit an initial team of five highly skilled employees. A further eight are expected to be recruited within three years.
The 3D printed models have a far greater look, feel and dynamic behaviour than hard-plastic, silicone, rubber or hydrogel-based models that are currently used.
Inverness Campus is being developed by HIE as a centre of excellence and collaboration in life sciences, and OrganLike chief executive Mark Abbs believes this makes the Highland capital a good location for his business.
"Inverness offers OrganLike a vibrant and dynamic life science community in which to grow," he said.
"Also, the campus gives close connection to an innovative health service community with enthusiasm to engage with us and others to improve surgical outcomes. We are delighted to be starting our business in Inverness in its first steps toward an exciting future."
Stephanie Andrew, HIE’s business development account manager, welcomed the firm to Inverness and commented: "OrganLike is a great example of innovation and collaboration that is now typical among organisations at Inverness Campus. Their product will create skilled well-paid jobs."
