Since 2011, the UK’s DeepTech Catalyst has supported more than 230 UK start-ups across sectors including space, quantum and health.
From healthcare breakthroughs to sustainable food production, seven pioneering biotech start-ups have joined the DeepTech Catalyst Biotech Incubator, bringing fresh momentum to British innovation and enterprise.
The DeepTech Catalyst Biotech Incubator, known as DTC Bio, is a collaboration between Science and Technology Facilities Council and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. It forms part of the wider DeepTech Catalyst network, one of Europe’s most recognised business incubation programmes.
The latest companies to join DTC Bio are tackling some of the most pressing challenges in health, agriculture and sustainability.
Oshun Labs is developing functional products derived from seaweed to support women during and after menopause, helping reduce long-term health risks such as heart disease. The company is addressing what it describes as a major gap in women’s health, focusing on natural and nonhormonal solutions for mid and later life.
GutSee Health is using artificial intelligence and virus-based therapies to remove harmful bacteria, offering more targeted treatments for infected wounds and gut infections. Its work includes advanced AI modelling and a proprietary Phage-X algorithm to map microbiome dynamics and develop bacteriophage therapies.
The Good Pulse Company is helping cheese manufacturers produce healthier, better-tasting, more nutritious and more sustainable plant-based cheese. Its fermentation-powered process removes the need for chemically modified starches, improves nutritional and sensory profiles, extends shelf-life without additives and lowers production costs.
Avigen, a contract research organisation, is working with drug developers to help predict which cancer immunotherapy treatments are most likely to be effective. Its microfluidics-based technology measures avidity, the binding strength between immune and tumour cells, a key factor in therapeutic efficacy.
Grouse Fibres is turning surplus milk waste into fibres that help soil retain water, supporting plant growth and creating more sustainable materials. By extracting casein from surplus dairy streams, the company produces strong, water-retentive fibres for horticulture and other technical applications.
RevoNA Bio is developing new ways to protect plants and animals from disease by targeting RNA, opening up alternative approaches beyond existing treatments.
Demeter Bio is creating alternatives to so-called forever chemicals, developing bio-based materials from natural waste to replace PFAS substances used for water resistance and durability in products such as cosmetics and packaging.
Improving lives, creating jobs
Lord Vallance said: “British science is among the best in the world. Turning our research strength into businesses that bring innovation to market, we can ensure our science sector continues to lead the field while also improving lives and creating new jobs.
“From supporting women through menopause to making farming more sustainable, these innovations use our homegrown scientific talent to tackle real problems and unlock benefits for communities across the country.”
Each company in the incubator can receive support worth up to £90,000. This includes research funding, access to specialist facilities, expert technical advice and business mentoring.
The Biotech Incubator operates within the DeepTech Catalyst programme managed by STFC. Since 2011, the DeepTech Catalyst has supported more than 230 UK start-ups across sectors including space, quantum and health.
Collectively, these businesses have raised more than £300 million in private investment, created around 1,100 high-skilled jobs, achieved a 95 per cent survival rate and generated an estimated £25 in economic return for every £1 invested.
Paul Vernon, Executive Director of Business and Innovation at STFC, said:
“The UK is a world leader in scientific discovery, but impact comes when that science improves everyday life.
“These start-ups are using biotechnology to tackle problems that matter to all of us, from health to sustainability. However, turning a promising idea into a successful business is full of challenges, which is why support for start-ups is so important.
“Through the Biotech Incubator and STFC’s DeepTech Catalyst, we are providing the research and development (R&D) facilities, expertise and connections start-ups need to overcome barriers and turn innovation into real-world impact.”
A UK-wide presence
Businesses joining the incubator can be located across STFC and BBSRC sites as part of UK Research and Innovation. The seven new companies will be based at Rothamsted Campus, Aber Innovation and Daresbury Laboratory at Sci-Tech Daresbury in the Liverpool City Region.
De-risking the route to market
Dr Karen Lewis, BBSRC’s Executive Director, Capability and Innovation, said:
“BBSRC is pleased to welcome these seven pioneering biotech startups into the DeepTech Catalyst Biotech Incubator.
“Early-stage bioscience innovators play an important role in driving the UK’s future bioeconomy, and programmes like DTC Bio offer the environment, expertise and support needed to succeed.
“By providing targeted R&D funding, access to world-class facilities across UKRI campuses, and specialist technical, commercial and IP guidance, we aim to help founders de-risk their technologies and accelerate their route to market.
“We look forward to seeing these companies push the boundaries of bioscience innovation and translate cutting-edge research into real-world impact.”
With a strong track record and a growing nationwide presence, the DeepTech Catalyst Biotech Incubator continues to strengthen Britain’s position at the forefront of biotechnology, supporting innovators who are transforming scientific discovery into practical solutions that improve lives and create skilled jobs across the country.
Read more here: https://www.ukri.org/news/uk-biotech-start-ups-to-spark-innovations-to-improve-our-lives/
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