First tenant confirmed at Edinburgh BioQuarter’s Nine building

This announcement comes as life sciences companies across Scotland and beyond converge to celebrate the sector’s success at the annual Life Sciences Awards and dinner in Edinburgh.

Fios Genomics is a leading bioinformatics company providing biomarker analysis services for applications in drug discovery & development, diagnostics and human health. The company will occupy over 700 sq ft of the 85,000 sq ft facility.

Since 2008, Scottish Enterprise has supported the efforts of Fios Genomics by providing integrated tailored business growth assistance including help to market overseas, website development, innovation support including a SMART: SCOTLAND award, and assistance for a £0.5 million equity investment round led by Archangel Informal Investments, with co-investment from Scottish Enterprise through its investment arm, the Scottish Investment Bank.

Currently based at the Edinburgh Technology Transfer Centre at the University of Edinburgh’s Kings Buildings campus, the company’s decision to move to Edinburgh BioQuarter supports its expansion plans and provides a high calibre environment to deliver its international growth ambitions.

Fios Genomics chief executive, Dr Bill Buckie, said: “The support from our investors and from Scottish Enterprise has been vital in driving the growth and development of the company; the location of the company at Edinburgh BioQuarter is another part of our ambitious plans to be a leader in our field.”

Scottish Enterprise life sciences director Rhona Allison, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Fios Genomics to our new facility, Nine.

“This flagship initiative is one of the cornerstones of Scotland’s life sciences sector’s aspirations for growth and the decision by Fios Genomics to locate here demonstrates the real value the expertise and capabilities at Edinburgh BioQuarter bring to enabling cutting edge companies to thrive and grow.”

Towards the end of last year, Nine was completed to shell and core condition and is now nearing the end of its internal fit-out. Such strong early market interest underlines confidence in Edinburgh BioQuarter as an emerging location for the thriving life sciences industry.

Nine is a £12 million Scottish Enterprise project supported by £12 million funding from the UK Strategic Investment Fund. It forms part of the wider flagship Edinburgh BioQuarter project involving Scottish Enterprise, Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc, the University of Edinburgh, NHS Lothian and the City of Edinburgh Council.