Engineering biology entrepreneurs and start-ups from across the UK are invited to apply to join an intensive programme, developed in partnership with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), at Science Creates’ deep-tech innovation hub Bristol. Roadshows will run throughout July in Manchester, Edinburgh, Cambridge and London for interested parties to find out more about the application process and benefits. The roadshow series will close with a special South West Roadshow event, hosted by Science Creates in Bristol on 24 July 2023.

The programme, which is now open to applications, combines the expertise of eight delivery partners from organisations such as Grant Tree, SCI Partners, CAIA, Global Composition and Deep Science Ventures. It connects successful applicants to a vast network of more than 40 deep tech companies and 13 strategic partners.

A Comprehensive Programme for Entrepreneurial Growth

The programme will provide an incubation space designed to empower entrepreneurs and future business leaders, providing them with essential skills and knowledge to thrive in the engineering biology space. Participants will receive guidance in developing a growth strategy, establishing a strong market fit, creating the right team structure, devising a clear research strategy, and formulating a fundraising plan. The programme caters to both individuals and those with very early-stage start-ups, ensuring a supportive environment for all participants.

Equity-Free Funding and Financial Support

All participants on the accelerator will get financial support in order to attend the accelerator. For selected successful candidates, there will be the opportunity to unlock equity-free feasibility funding for their startups to test the feasibility of their ideas and technologies. Candidates must have a UK-registered company by the end of the programme to be eligible for the feasibility funding.

There is space for up to 30 candidates, including individuals and early-stage start-ups. Science Creates will be conducting a rolling review of applications, and spaces will be filled as soon as suitable candidates are identified. Interested individuals and start-ups must submit their expression of interest by 27 July.

The full-time programme will last for nine weeks, with remote/hybrid options for participation, and will include access to expert training, mentoring and support as well as further discretionary budgets for travel accommodation and business support services. The total support package for each candidate has an equivalent value of up to £10,000 per candidate. There is also the opportunity to apply for £50-£60,000 of equity-free feasibility funding at the end of the accelerator.

"We want to get innovation in the UK off the shelf and out into the real world," said Dr Harry Destecroix, Founder of Science Creates. "One in ten start-ups fail according to Startup Genome. Often a scientific start-up doesn’t fail because the science isn’t up to it. It fails because of a lack of investment, not having the right team, or the right experience to develop and deliver a sustainable business plan. I want to change that. I want to extend the success we see in deep-tech Bristol and extend it to other regions of the UK.

“This programme is an incredible opportunity for scientists, synthetic biologists, and visionary entrepreneurs to accelerate their ideas and make a real impact in solving global challenges. We are driven to support, nurture and mentor the next generation of engineering biology start-ups, helping them build disruptive businesses from scientific discoveries."