Biotech firm pioneers new robotic system for diagnostic tests

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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A North Wales biotechnology company has developed a new robotic dispensing system designed to improve the production of diagnostic testing devices used to detect conditions including cancer.

Deeside-based Biofortuna secured £225,000 through the Welsh Government’s SMART Flexible Innovation Support (SFIS) programme to develop its BeadBot™ system.

The project forms part of a wider £20 million SMART funding programme launched in 2023 to support cutting-edge research and innovation projects across Wales.

A total of 140 initiatives have received backing so far, with £17.9 million allocated to businesses developing research and development solutions to major societal challenges.

Biofortuna’s BeadBot™ system automates the complex dispensing and packing process used in the manufacture of lyophilised, or “Lyo”, beads, small reagent beads used in diagnostic tests.

The technology is expected to remove a key production bottleneck by replacing a manual process currently carried out by qualified scientists, improving productivity and increasing output capacity.

Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, said: “We are committed to fostering a culture of innovation which will improve the lives of people across Wales.

“This includes building a Welsh economy based on the industries and services of the future.

“This pioneering processing system from Biofortuna will boost productivity significantly and positions the company to increase its share of a rapidly growing global market, protecting skilled jobs and creating the need for new ones.

“It also further strengthens Wales’ reputation for excellence in the dynamic life sciences and advanced manufacturing sectors.”

Dr Nick Leaves, Chief Operating Officer at Biofortuna Limited, added: “The Welsh Government’s SFIS support will help us significantly increase our manufacturing capacity, accelerating market penetration in a rapidly growing and essential segment of the diagnostics market.

“This is great example of what can be achieved when Government and Industry work together.”