CGT Catapult begins Virtual Reality training to help ensure future workforce needs

September 2022 – A first-of-its-kind pilot to provide augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) training to develop the knowledge and skills needed for a career in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) development has been launched by the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult), in partnership with the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and working closely with Miltenyi Biotec.

The cutting-edge training – to be delivered through the Advanced Therapies Skills Training Network (ATSTN) – will enable users to experience technologies and equipment used in process manufacturing. This exciting collaboration showcases the Miltenyi Biotec CliniMACS Prodigy^®, an automated, flexible and closed system which streamlines workflows and can simplify the manufacturing process for immunotherapies.

The AR/VR training programme is being developed as part of the ATSTN, a wider initiative intended to support the future skills needs of the cell and gene therapy industry. This will ensure that the industry has a strong pipeline of highly-skilled workers to respond to rapidly growing demand. The immersive training programme has been developed by the AMRC, in collaboration with the CGT Catapult, and will be located in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.

Miltenyi Biotec, a global biotechnology company that provides products and services to cell and gene therapy companies, provided technical input into the development of the training ensuring it resembles real-world situations as closely as possible.

Matthew Durdy, Chief Executive of the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, commented:

“The availability of skills and suitably experienced people is a source of international advantage for the UK. We are proud to be working with AMRC and industrial partners like Miltenyi to make sure that the UK is the ‘go to’ place for cell and gene therapy development and manufacturing.”

Marcus Crossley, Senior Project Manager at the AMRC, said:

“This VR/AR demonstrator is really pushing the boundaries in showcasing how companies could provide cutting-edge training to people at the start of their career and also upskilling and supporting existing staff members worldwide.

“This is an excellent example of cross-Catapult Centre collaboration and shows the expertise industry can access within the two organisations. Allowing participants to use state-of-the-art technology greatly enhances their learning experience and adds value by speeding up people’s familiarity and confidence in using the manufacturing equipment. Being able to bring in experts to this immersive experience from anywhere in the world is a very powerful training capability.”

‘‘At Miltenyi Biotec Ltd we are committed to providing the highest quality training to the next generation of ATMP scientists. The work we are doing with CGT Catapult and University of Sheffield to develop a VR training platform will help to accelerate this and bring the systems capabilities to the attention of a wider audience. Ultimately, our hope is that this partnership will be instrumental in empowering those entering the ATMP field to gain the skills they need to manufacture these ground-breaking therapies.” added Michele Giroux, General Manager Miltenyi Biotec Ltd. ‘We are extremely excited to be involved in this project.’’

About the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult

The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult is part of the Catapult Network. It was established by, and works in partnership with, Innovate UK.

The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult is an independent innovation and technology organisation committed to the advancement of cell and gene therapies with a vision of a thriving industry delivering life changing advanced therapies to the world. Its aim is to create powerful collaborations which overcome challenges to the advancement of the sector. With over 400 experts covering all aspects of advanced therapies, it applies its unique capabilities and assets, collaborates with academia, industry and healthcare providers to develop new technology and innovation. For more information, please visit ct.catapult.org.uk or visit http://www.gov.uk/innovate-uk.