The investment is part of a £9.44m Paediatric Open Innovation Zone (POIZ) initiative focused on developing and deploying new cutting-edge technologies to help tackle health issues affecting children and young people in the city region.

John Grinnell, chief executive at Alder Hey, said: ‘We're absolutely thrilled to receive this support to help us and the region continue to lead in children's healthcare innovation. At Alder Hey, we are committed to innovation that will save and improve lives.

‘This funding will help us to further develop new groundbreaking solutions through collaboration with key innovators and partner. Together we can have a real impact and create a healthier, happier and fairer future for children and young people.'

The project will encourage collaboration with local innovators, allowing access to Alder Hey's clinical teams, expertise and facilities to jointly develop paediatric solutions. It will also allow businesses to test their healthcare innovations with the help of Alder Hey experts.

The POIZ will also provide consultancy and training to drive innovation-led care across Liverpool City Region's hospitals and help partners in the NHS, industry and overseas to benefit from Alder Hey's innovation experience and best practice.