Partnering with Heriot-Watt University to host Engineering Students’ Visit

Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting MSc Biomedical Engineering students from Heriot-Watt University for an immersive visit designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world medical device development. Welcoming the next generation of biomedical engineers into our facility is always a highlight for our team.

As a CDMO medical device company, we live at the intersection of innovation, regulation, and manufacturability. Our goal for the day was to give students an authentic look at how ideas evolve into safe, effective, and scalable medical products. The visit began with a guided tour of our facility, where students saw first-hand how cross-functional teams collaborate across design, quality, and manufacturing. From cleanroom environments to assembly and testing areas, the group gained insight into the level of control and rigour required in our industry.

A key part of the visit was a presentation on Design for Manufacture (DfM) principles and methodologies. We explored how early design decisions influence cost, quality, and time to market, and how structured DfM approaches help de-risk development. Real project examples illustrated the value of considering materials, tolerances, automation, and supply chain realities from day one.

What stood out most was the students’ curiosity and engagement. Their questions on sustainability, regulatory pathways, and emerging technologies showed a strong awareness of where the industry is heading. Programmes that combine specialised knowledge, strong industry connections, and opportunities for personal and professional growth are exactly what our sector needs and it is encouraging to see these elements in action.

We’re proud to support the development of future engineers and to share practical insights from the frontline of medical device development. A big thank you to the Heriot-Watt team for collaborating with us, and to everyone who helped organise such an energetic and thoughtful visit. We look forward to seeing where these talented students make their mark in biotech engineering.