Celebrating the Power of Collaboration: A New Film Explores the Essence of Innovation and Progress at Newcastle Helix

Three innovative life science businesses based at Newcastle Helix are taking on a starring role in the first of a new series of films all about the Future of Work. The first focuses on the importance of collaboration.

Through the scientific innovation and collaboration happening in The Biosphere at Newcastle Helix, NewChem Technologies, Hexis Lab & ExplantLab are revolutionising the cosmetic and medical sectors, resulting in better outcomes for patients and consumers.

Hexis Lab has partnered with renowned chemist Professor Bernard Golding, Science Director at NewChem Technologies, to create a groundbreaking new line of haircare products tailored for people with textured, curly and coily hair types. The resulting Layla & Kays shampoo and conditioner products are now available to purchase online and through various retailers in India.

As pioneers of AI technology for ingredient validation and natural ingredient testing, the film delves deep into the personal motivation and strive for social justice and inclusivity of Hexis Lab founder and CEO Sola Idowu, to provide a solution for his daughter, a national swimmer with textured hair, who faced huge hurdles in finding suitable hair care products

ExplantLab, spearheaded by David Langton, is revolutionising joint replacement technology through groundbreaking collaboration with Dr. Raghu Sidaginamale, a trauma consultant at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust who has a strong background in joint replacements.

As the only independent retrieval laboratory dedicated to analysing failed implants, ExplantLab is at the forefront of merging clinical practice with cutting-edge genetic testing to enhance patient outcomes. In the film we hear how they are combining their expertise to address the complex challenges of implant failure.

The films have been created to explore how collaboration serves as the driving force behind groundbreaking ideas and successful businesses and highlight the innovative solutions to society’s most pressing challenges that are happening at Helix.

John Seager, Estates Director, Newcastle Helix said:

“Collaboration has been the driving force behind some of the world’s most remarkable achievements and it’s happening every day here at Helix. It’s great to witness how collective effort shared goals, and the merging of diverse ideas lead to breakthroughs that are shaping society for the better. We are very proud to showcase the importance of teamwork, trust and communication in fostering successful collaborations and how it is having a positive impact on the wider region”

The Future of Collaboration film also features Helen Crampin from the National Innovation Centre for Ageing, also based at Newcastle Helix, who explores the importance of collaboration in creating solutions for healthier, longer lives;  as well as Dr. Bess Price, Lecturer in Psychology at Newcastle University, who gives her expert view on collaboration; Di Gates from Connection Heroes, who discusses how fostering a culture of connection within organisations can unlock the full potential of their teams; and Bev Fox from Boho Arts, who emphasises the role of improvisation and creative collaboration in building resilience and well-being.

View the film here.

This is the first in a series of films – watch out for more stories about Newcastle Helix later this year.