Biotechnology/Pharmaceuticals
As with IT/Software, it is the quality of graduates and post-graduates emerging from Swansea University and Swansea Institute which is a major factor in this sector's growth. In conjunction with Cardiff School of Medicine, the University has established one of the major biotechnology departments in the UK. Graduate and postgraduate placements can be arranged.
Secluded rural sites are available which provide tranquil surroundings conducive to research activity in this field. On a larger scale, negotiations with multi-national companies are well-advanced to establish bio-manufacturing facilities on the redeveloped Felindre site.
On the financial front, companies in this sectors are able to access grants from SMART Cymru, which provides up to 75% of funding for R&D activity. That's additional to other assistance, which can include RSA Grants of up to 47% Ð the highest in Europe.