Scottish Enterprise provides R&D funding grant to Össur to develop upper limb prosthetics
Össur’s upper limb research & development hub, based in Livingston, Scotland, has received a funding grant from Scottish Enterprise to support the development of new upper limb prosthetic solutions.
Innovation Minister Richard Lochhead visited Össur’s new 30,000 sq ft site in Livingston to learn how Össur’s prosthetics solutions enable people to carry out tasks like reaching for a book or a loved one’s hand to hold.
Mr. Lochhead met with users of the prosthetic products and the team of Össur engineers involved in building innovative prosthetic hand solutions and said: “I welcome the latest investment by Össur, at its Livingston facility - and its ongoing partnership with Scottish Enterprise, who have provided Research & Development funding for the project.
“Our National Innovation Strategy places a strong focus on technologies where we can be demonstrably world leading, with Healthtech being a key target. But as well as this being positive news for the local economy and an important step for Scotland’s innovation sector, this project also offers the prospect of enhancing people’s lives, making it an even more valuable contribution to not just our economy, but our society.”
Andrew Gannon is an artist and ambassador of Össur’s products who is based in Edinburgh and has been using prosthetics after being born with a limb difference. He spoke of the difference the i-limb® has made to him: "I have used prosthetics practically my whole life and when my prosthetist asked me to try out the i-limb at first I had no expectations, however, it became very apparent in the first few hours of using it that I was never going back as it has reduced pain and damage to my arm and is a great improvement on my previous prosthetics."
Jane Martin managing director of innovation and investment at Scottish Enterprise said: “Scottish Enterprise has supported the company over many years from its early days as a University of Edinburgh spinout. Össur’s plans to further develop a range of prosthetic hand solutions to improve the mobility of people across the world is truly inspirational and is also a great example of how an acquisition can boost business growth in Scotland.
“Össur’s investment and next-level product development highlights how purpose-driven companies can transform lives, grow our economy, and Scotland’s international reputation as a place to innovate and scale your business.”
Össur vice president of R&D upper limb prosthetics Hugh Gill said: “This grant allows additional engineers to join Össur to continue developing unique products supporting individuals to live ‘Life Without Limitations’ as is our motto. We are delighted with the support we have had from Scottish Enterprise on our journey to improve people’s mobility.”
STV News at Six: Scottish Enterprise invests in prosthetics development