Body organ printer to create new jobs at Inverness Campus

The company emerged from pioneering work carried out by Dr Isaac Wang, Heriot Watt University and Prof Will Shu, Strathclyde University. They developed advanced 3D printing technology to produce hyper-realistic organ models for surgical rehearsal and training.

The products will help to significantly improve surgical outcomes, patient recovery and the efficiency of surgical activities. 

After securing private investment and a £160,000 start-up grant from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the new-start company has taken space at the £2.2m purpose built life sciences building, Aurora House.

The HIE funding 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 as the business grows.

Using data from MRI and CT scans, OrganLike produces near exact copies of actual organs that require surgery. 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.

The company’s products gained recognition after being reviewed at a recent training bootcamp for surgeons, held in the Centre for Health Science in Inverness.

Inverness Campus is being developed by HIE as a centre of excellence and collaboration in life sciences, between academia, research and commercial companies. Stephanie Andrew, HIE’s business development account manager, said:

“OrganLike is a great example of innovation and collaboration that is now typical among organisations based at Inverness Campus. Their product has clear global marketing potential and will create new highly skilled and well-paid jobs.

“We very much welcome the company to Aurora House and look forward to working with them as they develop into an integral part of the region’s growing life science sector.”

Mark Abbs, OrganLike chief executive, said:

“Inverness offers OrganLike a vibrant and dynamic life science community in which to grow.  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.”

Other tenants of Aurora House include Danish firm CorporateHealth International and Norwegian AquaPharma.