Start-up eyes growth following global investment

A Glasgow life science company is aiming to become a R&D hub for digital medical technologies after receiving early-stage support from Scottish Enterprise.

IDCP Scotland will explore developing a suite of new ophthalmology products to support clinicians and patients alike after receiving a SMART grant of £85,000 from Scotland’s national economic development agency.

A collaboration between Dutch distribution and marketing company, IDCP Group and University of Strathclyde alumnus, Jamie Thomson, IDCP Scotland aims to commercialise technology to “revolutionise” a clinician’s workflow by producing more accessible, easier and accurate systems.

Jamie, who is Managing Director of IDCP Scotland, said: “At IDCP Scotland we have been working hard since our incorporation to collaborate closely with both clinicians and academic bodies to target and identify essential products and services which are most needed within medicine, in particular ophthalmology.  By working this way, it allows us to constantly adapt and improve our developments so that they are not only relevant to clinicians and patients but also are at the front line of research and development.

“Working together with our parent company, IDCP Group and sister companies within the group, we hope to grow over the coming years into a key centre for research and product development.”

Formed in 2020, IDCP Scotland is looking to develop several products, including digital vision testing and an artificial eye model.  The products are based on early level technology development conducted by researchers at the University of Strathclyde and patented by the IP & Commercialisation team within Strathclyde Inspire.  These patents have been licensed to IDCP Scotland to take forward.

By utilising their connections with the University of Strathclyde and NHS Scotland, IDCP Group aims to be active from idea to market.

IDCP Group CEO, Jan Boers, explained: “Such an approach will allow the company to develop integrated solutions for applications.  This will be based on a software system that can be easily incorporated into any telemedicine solution and clinical workflow. 

“The current focus for IDCP Scotland is on ophthalmology, but the group is also active in audiology and dermatology where future R&D activities are also envisioned.  The IDCP Group specialises in the development and commercialisation of digital technologies in the field of screening and sensoring.”

Scottish Development International (SDI) specialists based in continental Europe worked with Almere-headquartered IDCP to support the company’s entry into Scotland and provide introductions to key sector stakeholders.

Mark Hallan, Director of Global Investment at SDI, said: “Scotland is internationally renowned for its strengths in life sciences because of our incredible talent, world-class universities and supportive business environment.

“IDCP Scotland is an exciting, innovative company that has ambitious plans to make a real difference for ophthalmology clinicians and their patients.  We have been delighted to work with IDCP both here in Scotland and in The Netherlands and look forward to seeing the outcomes of their research.

“Inward investment creates a pathway for alliances to be formed between international businesses and indigenous companies, breaking down geographical barriers and providing a catalyst for innovation.  IDCP Scotland is an excellent example of such a global partnership in action.”

Licensing is a vibrant activity at the University of Strathclyde and has generated cumulative royalty income of more than £42 million.

Gillian Docherty, the University’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are delighted to support IDCP Scotland as it begins its commercial journey, by providing the company with access to innovative ophthalmic diagnostics developed by the University.”