A deal has been signed by bosses at Sandwich's Discovery Park to help boost start-ups in the life sciences industry.

It has agreed a two-year partnership with The Innovation Forum, a global, non-profit network to help enhance entrepreneurial spirit and develop useful contacts.

Discovery Park hopes it will attract young scientists keen to accelerate growth in their business.

Dr Martino Picardo, chair of Discovery Park, said: “We have a shared vision to connect innovators, industry and investors which will strengthen Kent’s life science economy. The Innovation Forum will help to further stimulate the growth of innovative young companies that are already finding the facilities and support they need at Discovery Park.

“It will also offer them the chance to be part of the science and entrepreneurial community, not just here, but internationally.”

Iwan Roberts, CEO of The Innovation Forum, added: “As a grassroots network of 10,000 scientific entrepreneurs, we believe in collaborating strongly with regional hubs of excellence and connecting them with the wider ecosystem of like-minded innovators building technologies and start-ups that will shape the future of our health.

“We hope to support innovators in the Kent ecosystem along with Discovery Park to support even more healthcare ventures in the region and provide them with the networking and mentoring opportunities to take their ideas to the next level.”

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