We had an integral role in the establishment of the North East Innovation Lab (NEIL), hosted by Newcastle Hospitals.

Formed as part of the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, NEIL supports the development of next generation diagnostics. They offer early-stage performance testing of the new diagnostics to complement the methodological evaluations that we can provide.

Since launching in January 2021, the lab has engaged with over 70 potential clients. They help organisations of all sizes, from university spin outs to large international companies.

In April 2022 the lab received £1.4 million from the Academic Health Science Network for the North East and North Cumbria and NHS Accelerated Access Collaborative to continue their vital work. This investment is helping the lab to expand their portfolio and support the development of cutting-edge technologies that tackle a wide range of health threats.

NEIL offers numerous services including developing scientific testing protocols, performing laboratory evaluations and access to a biobank of clinical samples.

Our collaboration with NEIL is facilitating an integrated approach to the generation of diagnostic test evidence. This will allow diagnostic tests to be widely used at pace, for the benefit of patients and the healthcare system.

For more information about NEIL visit: https://commercial.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk/our-services/innovation-lab/