Life Sciences Hub Wales is an arms-length body of the Welsh Government, constituted as a private company limited by guarantee in 2013.[1] It is wholly owned by the Welsh Ministers, and was established to foster collaboration and bring together academic, business, clinical, government, professional services and funding organisations to provide a commercially driven resource for the sector. The hub was reported to have over 7500 unique visitors in its first 18 months of operation.[2] Its vision and mission is to developing opportunities to broaden the scope of the hub and creating value from engagement by NHS Wales with industry and academia.[3]
In 2016, Julie Booth was appointed as entrepreneur in residence with the aim of working with six startup and early stage companies over six months with a dedicated programme of support to help them develop growth plans and become investment ready.[4]
Following the death of Chris McGuigan the hub building in Cardiff Bay was renamed the Chris McGuigan Hub in his memory.[5] The plaque was placed outside the entrance to the hub and was unveiled in a private event by his daughters Phoebe and Grace, accompanied by his wife Maria.
Programmes
The hub supports industry via a range of programmes:
Digital Health Ecosystem Wales
Accelerate
Intensive Learning Academies Wales
The Academy of Medical Sciences Cross-Sector Programme
Governance
Board of Directors
The Life Sciences Hub Wales Board comprises a Chair, and nine Non-Executive Directors. The Chief Executive, and members of the Senior Leadership Team, attend Board meetings[6]
