The UKRI DeepTech Catalyst programmes back the next wave of research-driven businesses, fast-tracking deep tech innovations that deliver real-world impact. Since 2011, STFC’s wider DeepTech Catalyst network has supported more than 230 UK start-ups, helping them raise over £300 million in private investment and create around 1,100 high-skilled jobs.

The DeepTech Catalyst Bio is an incubator programme designed to support early-stage biotechnology companies in achieving their commercial potential. A collaboration between the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), it brings together the expertise and networks needed to accelerate growth and reduce route-to-market risk.

Since its’ inception, seven pioneering biotech start-ups have joined the UK government-backed programme with the selected companies tackling a wide range of global challenges spanning healthcare, food systems, agriculture and sustainable materials. Innovations include seaweed-based menopause support products, AI-enabled bacteriophage therapies for infectious diseases, sustainable plant-based cheese production, cancer immunotherapy testing technologies, and alternatives to harmful “forever chemicals”.

Through the programme, participating companies can access support worth up to £90,000, including :

• £50,000 of R&D funding
  • £10,000 innovation voucher for R&D activity and access to specialised capabilities
  • access to UKRI campuses of Rothamsted Enterprises, Sci-Tech Daresbury, and AberInnovation, with additional specialist support from The Pirbright Institute
  • technical support
  • commercial, business and IP support
  • networking opportunities, including connections with investors

The programme highlights the growing importance of biotech innovation in supporting the UK’s future bioeconomy, while accelerating the development of solutions that improve health, sustainability and food production.

We are proud that several of the start-ups are either based here or have virtual membership at Rothamsted Campus, reinforcing our role as a leading hub for bioscience innovation and agritech commercialisation:

• Oshun Labs: developing functional products derived from seaweed to support women during and after menopause, helping reduce long-term health risks such as heart disease
• Grouse Fibre: turning surplus milk waste into fibres that help soil retain water, supporting plant growth and creating more sustainable materials
• Avigen: working with drug developers to help predict which cancer immunotherapy treatments are most likely to be effective
• Demeter Bio: creating alternatives to so-called ‘forever chemicals’, using natural waste to make water-resistant and durable materials
• The Good Pulse Company: helping cheese manufacturers make healthier, better-tasting, more nutritious and more sustainable plant-based cheese, with no additives and lower production costs

The next round of applications to the DeepTech Catalyst Bio are now open.

Read about the eligibility criteria and submit an expression of interest (EOI) form here: DTC Bio Expression of Interest Form

For any questions or further details please contact DTC Bio team at: bio_enquiries@stfc.ac.uk

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Are you an early-stage biotechnology start-up?

Applications are now open for the BBSRC-STFC DeepTech Catalyst Bio, a great opportunity for early-stage biotechnology companies to de-risk and turn their innovative technologies into market reality.

A comprehensive package of support that includes:

• £50,000 of R&D funding
  • £10,000 innovation voucher for R&D activity and access to specialised capabilities
  • access to UKRI campuses of Rothamsted Enterprises, Sci-Tech Daresbury, and AberInnovation, with additional specialist support from The Pirbright Institute
  • technical support
  • commercial, business and IP support
  • networking opportunities, including connections with investors

How to apply:

You can read about the eligibility criteria and submit an expression of interest (EOI) form here: DTC Bio Expression of Interest Form

For any questions or further details please contact DTC Bio team at: bio_enquiries@stfc.ac.uk

Applicant information webinar on Thursday 18 June, 2 pm:

STFC and BBSRC colleagues will share an overview of the support available through DeepTech Bio and the application process, followed by a live Q&A session.

You can register for the webinar here: DTC Bio webinar