Biological samples and the pre-clinical and clinical data generated from such samples are the key building blocks from which so much R&D builds on, especially in translating fundamental research into new innovations for personalised treatment and diagnosis of diseases. Biobanks are repositories of biological samples and their associated data, be they commercial or academic institutions who manage the collection, curation, storage and access to their assets. The ability to find and access both samples and data remains a major barrier to cutting-edge research in the life sciences sector, be that at SME bio-tech companies, large pharmaceutical organisations or research institutions. Due to this, researchers either import samples from outside the UK or have to create new samples/data (self-collection), both of which negatively impact the UK in terms of lost opportunities and increased cost of research, and are not sustainable. The UK is a world leader in life sciences research. However, inefficient management of biological samples and the data created from these samples due to a lack of innovation in the administration of biobanks, is holding back progress. For example, many biobanks continue to use excel spreadsheets, or databases which are not fit for purpose for biobank data sets, regulatory frameworks or the specific needs on donor bio-samples. The Intelligent Biobanking Platform ("IBP") project will develop a new software platform that will revolutionise the communication, coordination and administration of the biobanking sector. Its aim is to ensure digital regulatory compliance, establishing standard operating procedures, capture of comprehensive data sets, data analytics and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in biobanks. The use of such an approach combined with blockchain technology goes well beyond the state of the art used in biobanks. It will not only be able to track and locate physical samples of donors, monitor and ensure full digital compliance of donor consent but also track the data produced from donor samples, the use of such data and any final commercial products created. Thereby it will create a world-first interoperable, secure data biobank solution. This will significantly improve the biobanking sector in the UK and globally, by ensuring easier, more efficient and cost effective access to bio-samples As such, the platform will contribute to creating a thriving life sciences sector through assisting in locating critical samples that are required for the research and development of innovative new treatments, particularly in the advanced therapy medicinal products sector.

A fully digital cancer treatment management solution which ensures patients are put at the centre of treatment, parties to the production, administration, transportation of samples and treatments are efficiently coordinated on a regulatory compliant platform.