The UK Microsystems Network recently hosted a successful satellite workshop at Manchester Metropolitan University on the 18th of June, entitled “Engaging with the Microfluidics Industry” alongside the UK Microfluidics Conference. The event brought together researchers, start-ups and established companies for an afternoon focused on strengthening links between academia and the commercial microfluidics sector.
Attendees heard from a strong line-up of industry speakers, including Holger Becker (microfluidic ChipShop GmbH), Thomas Osborne (Blacksheep Sciences) and Gareth Evans (CNBio). The workshop also featured valuable contributions from organisations across the field, including Biodetection Hub, Rapid Fluidics, MicroMolds, Harvard Bioscience, Ginolis and Guaranta, among many others.
A central theme of the day was the breadth of the Network’s community. While the UK Microsystems Network has deep roots in academic research, the workshop underlined that it is equally a home for industry, from early-stage spin-outs to companies scaling up manufacturing. The lively discussion on the barriers faced when scaling up microfluidics from the labs to commercialisation, as well as the skills that should be embedded within higher and further education to meet the needs of the microfluidics industry. The many connections formed between academic and commercial participants, demonstrated the value of bringing these groups together.
