A £13.5m Welsh Government, EU and Swansea University backed project that is helping to develop innovative health and wellbeing solutions has been formally launched and celebrated today.

The Agor IP project brings together academics, clinicians and businesses to pioneer research into cutting edge technologies and drive commercial success.

The Welsh Government reports today’s launch event in Swansea University showcased some of the innovative work already underway as a result of the project. This includes an app developed to help prevent eating disorders, and a simple blood test that could make it easier for GPs to diagnose bowel cancer. Both have been developed in a partnership between Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and scientists at Swansea University.

Agor IP has been backed by £6.7m from the Welsh Government and the European Regional Development Fund with additional funding from Swansea University. The project, led by Swansea University, began in January 2016 and will run until December 2020. It works with the NHS and industrial partners to turn innovative research into new products, processes and services.

Speaking ahead of the event, Economy Secretary Ken Skates said “The Agor IP project is one that is truly worthy of celebration. Projects like the app to prevent eating disorders developed in partnership with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board have the potential to drive tangible results and economic benefits. The project is adding genuine value to our innovation goals and demonstrating to the world that the Welsh Government is committed to translating academic research into results that benefit the lives of Welsh people and our wider economy. Projects like these are crucial in promoting Wales as a global location of choice for innovation, creativity and technology.”

Health Secretary Vaughan Gething said “The Agor IP project is full of examples where science and healthcare are working together at the forefront of clinical innovation. I strongly support the NHS working confidently with university and industry partners, linking better health technologies and services to economic growth opportunities in Wales.”

Over the last twelve months Agor IP has supported nearly a hundred commercial opportunities, which are attracting significant private sector investment and helping create highly skilled, well paid jobs. These range from digital tools for university students, early stage medical devices, diagnostics and therapeutics for cancer, clean technology and many collaborations with NHS Wales Health Boards.