Robotics labs and AI development are part of Merseyside’s massive science investment

Robotic labs to help develop treatments to fight deadly infections are among major projects in line to secure millions of pounds of funding in the Liverpool City Region.

The first tranche of programs as part of the city region’s investment zone funding potential is set to be approved by members of the Combined Authority (CA) for Liverpool City Region when it meets for the first time since this month’s mayoral election. An initial seven schemes out of a total of 21 are included, with more than £25 million being sought to support them.

Projects include the development of vital jobs in health and life sciences, as well as the advancement of AI for the safe handling of pathogens.

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Dozens of schemes are being developed as part of a 10-year investment program known as the innovation zone. It is believed the £160m project could create 8,000 jobs and boost public and private investment of up to £800m, following an agreement with the UK government and CA.

The first seven projects to be taken to the next phase when the authority meets next week include the creation of new £21 million high isolation laboratories by the School of Medicine’s iiCON (Infection Innovation Consortium) Tropical Liverpool. The labs will be equipped with robotics and AI that will dramatically speed up the development of new treatments to fight deadly infections.

Final approvals are subject to additional review.

The third phase of the iiCON programme, which will be supported through the Investment Zone, will enable the development of AI and laboratory robotics to safely manage pathogens, led by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. A further 30 businesses could also be boosted through grants, support, training and access to Sci-Tech Daresbury’s world-class facilities.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool City Region, said: “Since I was elected Mayor, it has been one of my priorities to cement our reputation as an attractive investment environment for businesses. We already host leading groups in life sciences, gaming, advanced computing and infectious disease control – but I’m never content to rest on my laurels.”

Mayor Rotheram added that he wants the city region to exceed national targets and invest heavily in research and development. He added: “I truly believe that innovation will be the fuel that will drive our economy and by establishing ourselves as a hotbed of innovation and new technology, we will be poised to attract more jobs, businesses and highly skilled opportunities and well paid. from around the world.”

The University of Liverpool will lead a scheme in partnership with the Center for Process Innovation (CPI) to develop a microbiome and infectious disease innovation hub. It aims to support industry to develop and commercialize innovations and therapies in the microbiome and infectious diseases, advancing preventive medicines and alternatives to antibiotics, helping to tackle antimicrobial resistance.

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