By Ian McConnell

A MEDICAL technology company launched by US group OrthoSensor Inc has chosen Glasgow to develop its wearable orthopaedic sensors and associated data analytics, after receiving a £2.5 million research and development grant from taxpayer-backed Scottish Enterprise.

The economic development agency highlighted the part played by the University of Strathclyde in attracting the newly launched EnMovi venture to establish an £8m R&D base in the city, with the creation of 19 high-value jobs.

EnMovi will focus on developing data analytics, machine-learning and mobile applications to support its wearable orthopaedic sensor devices at the Glasgow centre.

The technology being developed by EnMovi could enable less-invasive surgery and faster recovery times, Scottish Minister for Trade, Investment and Innovation Ivan McKee noted.

Scottish Enterprise said it had worked in partnership with the University of Strathclyde, which has a longstanding relationship with OrthoSensor, to bring the Enmovi operation to Scotland.

EnMovi is based at the University of Strathclyde’s Inovo building. This business location is next door to the university’s Technology and Innovation Centre in Glasgow City Innovation District. Scottish Enterprise said this base would ensure “the company is ideally placed for further collaboration with academics”.

Mr McKee said: “This funding will support EnMovi to capture data and develop wearable technology. This will allow for less-invasive surgery and faster recovery times for patients. This project, which will see a new research and development centre established at the University of Strathclyde’s Inovo building, also brings exciting employment opportunities and will help establish Scotland at the forefront of research into this cutting-edge technology.”

Roman Bensen, chief executive officer of EnMovi, said: “The support provided by Scottish Enterprise and our longstanding collaboration with the prestigious University of Strathclyde will enable us to continue the development of our innovative data analytics and wearable platform to improve patient outcomes globally.”