Robertson supports world-class research with completion of Life Sciences Innovation Hub in Dundee

The new-build 5,000m² (54,000ft² ) facility is designed to play a significant role in supporting the Scottish Government’s Life Sciences Strategy, which launched recently at the site, aiming to grow the sector into a £25 billion industry by 2035.

The Life Sciences Innovation Hub is supported by a £20.2m Scottish Government investment through the Tay Cities Region Deal as well as by Scottish Enterprise, the Wolfson Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, UK Government (through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund) and the University of Dundee.

Spanning three storeys across two wings, the Hub has been purpose-built to foster high-growth biotechnology and pharmaceutical research, providing an environment where both emerging and established companies can thrive and scale. Effectus Research, Phaser Biomedical and recently announced Chemveda Life Sciences are among its new client companies.

Robertson led the design and build of the facility, delivering a highly flexible, modular workspace that allows companies to increase space within the building as they grow. The Hub offers a mix of high-spec laboratories and modern office accommodation, alongside shared networking spaces, meeting rooms, kitchen facilities, showers and secure cycle storage.

Turnkey chemistry laboratories have been created to support biopharma companies, while a central atrium provides a vibrant communal space designed to encourage collaboration between entrepreneurs, researchers and students.

Aligning with the University’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2045, the building follows a fabric-first approach to optimise energy performance. This is supported by highly energy-efficient systems, from a smart building management system to deep bore ground source heat pump technology that provides a renewable source of heating and cooling throughout the facility.

Morag Martin, Innovation Cluster Manager, University of Dundee, said: “The new Life Sciences Innovation Hub in Dundee marks a major step forward for Scotland’s life sciences research and innovation ecosystem. We’re grateful to Robertson Construction for their excellent work in bringing this world-class facility to life — a building that will anchor and support high growth life sciences companies and enable the translation of cutting-edge research and innovation into new therapeutics and technologies, delivering both future health benefit and economic impact for our region.”

Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Group, said: “The University of Dundee has  a world-class reputation in life sciences research, and this new Innovation Hub provides the kind of high-quality environment needed to turn that strength into commercial growth. By creating flexible, future-ready space for companies at different stages of development, the facility will help accelerate collaboration between academia and industry while supporting Scotland’s ambition to grow the life sciences sector to £25 billion.

“This project reflects our experience in delivering complex, specialist buildings for the life sciences sector and our strong relationship with the University of Dundee. Working closely with partners, the focus has been on delivering a facility that supports innovation, creates skilled jobs and contributes to long-term economic growth for the city and the wider region.”

The Hub is a key part of Dundee’s life sciences sector, working alongside BioDundee, the life sciences membership organisation that connects industry, academia and the NHS, to support collaboration, growth and inward investment across the region.

Robertson also completed a refurbishment of the medical technology facilities in 2024 that form part of TayMedConnect, advancing MedTech innovation through partnerships between, academia, the NHS and industry to improve healthcare and to encourage economic growth.