UK’s first AI-driven Level 3 lab launches first commercial project

iiCON, the Infection Innovation Consortium and the Canada-based biotech Eyam Health have launched iiDiagnostics (iiDX), a £0.75 million joint funded project, to be based at the laboratory in Liverpool’s Innovation Zone.

Designed for work on potentially lethal infectious diseases,it is the first of the country’s Level 3 labs to be AI-driven and equipped with robotic integration.

The iiDX project will pair Eyam’s novel vaccine technology with automated organoid technology provided by Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), iiCON’s lead partner.

Professor Janet Hemingway, the consortium’s founding director, said: “This partnership represents a critical step in demonstrating how the Liverpool Robotic Infection Research Laboratory can support innovation-led companies like Eyam.

“The project will not only advance next-generation vaccine candidates but will support the development of a commercially viable service offerings for the broader biotech sector—bolstering leading-edge infection innovation and making a key contribution to UK and Canadian pandemic preparedness.” 

The facility, which is being delivered by iiCON and LSTM, contains the first Category Three Level robotic laboratories in the country. It is equipped with liquid handling, robotic systems and analytical equipment to ensure containment and research capabilities sufficient to safely research high-risk global infectious diseases.  

Of the funding provided, two thirds comes via UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Innovate UK arm and iiDiagnostics itself. In addition, Eyam has received CA$455,000 (c£244,000) from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program.

It is intended that the project would serve to inform iiCON’s long-term commercialisation strategy around automated human organoid systems for pharma and biotech partners. 

Commented Eyam Health CEO Ryan Thomas: “Together with iiDiagnostics and LSTM, we are designing a new blueprint for speed, scalability, and precision in vaccine development—one that doesn't rely on cold-chain, in vivo testing, or outdated delivery systems.” 

Pic: Shutterstock (Phillip Brookes)