Science Creates launches engineering biology accelerator in Bristol for start-ups and innovators nationwide

Bristol-based deep tech ecosystem, Science Creates, has launched an engineering biology accelerator programme to support life science start-ups and innovators in developing ground-breaking advancements in healthcare, the environment and quality of life.

Engineering biology entrepreneurs and start-ups from across the UK are being 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. 

Francis Lister, head of innovation and partnerships at Science Creates, said: "The world is facing lots of problems and applying engineering biology could help solve some of them.

"Engineering biology has applications across many sectors including energy, environment, food, new medicines, healthcare, carbon capture and manufacturing. For example, engineering biology is already enabling the development of new vaccines and therapies, creating new materials for defence and fuels for transport, as well as plastic-free packaging.

"We use organisms all the time to process materials, with this accelerator we want to support those who want to develop new synthetic biologies and are looking for a place where there is commercial and practical advice and support alongside the academic rigorous and support they may be receiving in university or other academic environments."

READ MORE: Deep tech investor Science Creates Ventures secures £15 million from British Business Investments

Roadshows are being run throughout July in Manchester, Edinburgh, Cambridge and London for those wanting 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 24th July 2023.

The programme, which is now open to applications, combines the expertise of eight delivery partners from organisations such as tax and funding specialists Grant Tree, SCI Partners, which offers providing life science executive search and interim management of talent to biopharma, medical device and start-up companies, the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association, 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.

The programme will provide incubation space to support 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. 

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 July 27.

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."