Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has opened doors on a new London innovation centre, the first of four regional hubs it plans to have up and running this year.
The London centre will be joined by similar facilities in Boston, San Francisco and Shanghai, areas the company has identified as the world’s leading innovation hotspots.
It aims to accelerate the best early stage science in the world and advance the development of new healthcare solutions.
J&J’s chief scientific officer and worldwide chairman, pharmaceuticals, Paul Stoffels, said: “The London Innovation Centre is part of Johnson & Johnson’s broader innovation strategy to advance human health through collaboration with the world’s leading scientists and entrepreneurs.
“We are looking forward to collaborating within the UK, home to one of the world’s thriving life sciences ecosystems.”
The company says it wants to help scientists, entrepreneurs and emerging companies to collaborate with in-house science and technology staff from across the J&J healthcare business.
“Our on-the-ground proximity to regional scientists and entrepreneurs will allow us to build the strong personal relationships that underlie the most successful collaborations and investment deals,” said Patrick Verheyen, the head of the Johnson & Johnson Innovation centre.
“At Johnson & Johnson Innovation, we are committed to ensuring healthcare remains not only a significant source of economic prosperity in the UK, but also a driving force for improving the health and happiness of people worldwide.”
The Johnson & Johnson Innovation centre in London will be located at 1 Chapel Place, London, W1G OBJ.