New government-backed start-ups to help spark new innovations in healthcare, food production, and beyond
Seven biotech start-ups have joined a government-backed business incubator that helps early-stage companies to bring in investment, create new jobs and take innovations to market that improve lives.
The DeepTech Catalyst Biotech Incubator is a collaboration between the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
One of the projects, Oshun Labs, is tackling a gap in women’s health. The company is developing functional products derived from seaweed to support women during and after menopause, helping reduce long-term health risks such as heart disease.
GutSee Health is developing precision treatments for wound infections and gut conditions. Using AI and virus-based therapies, their approach targets harmful bacteria more precisely than traditional treatments.
Grouse Fibres meanwhile are addressing food waste and farming challenges together. They turn surplus milk into fibres that help soil hold water, supporting plant growth while creating value from waste.
Four more start-ups are also joining the programme:
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.
Avigen: Working with drug developers to help predict which cancer immunotherapy treatments are most likely to be effective.
RevoNA Bio: Developing new ways to protect plants and animals from disease, reducing the need for traditional chemical treatments.
Demeter Bio: Creating alternatives to so-called “forever chemicals”, using natural waste to make water-resistant and durable materials.
Science Minister, 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 DeepTech Catalyst Biotech Incubator can receive support worth up to £90,000, including research funding, access to specialist facilities, expert technical advice and business mentoring.
The Biotech Incubator is part of a wider network of business incubation programmes managed by STFC, known as the Deep Tech Catalyst. It is one of the UK’s most successful networks of business incubation programmes, recognised across Europe.
Since 2011, the Deep Tech Catalyst has supported more than 230 UK start-ups across a range of specialist sectors, including space, quantum and health.
To date, these businesses have collectively:
- raised more than £300m in private investment
- created around 1,100 high-skilled jobs
- achieved a 95% survival rate
- 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 Deep Tech Catalyst, we are providing the R&D facilities, expertise and connections start-ups need to overcome barriers and turn innovation into real-world impact.”
Businesses joining the incubator can now be located at STFC and BBSRC locations across the UK, as part of UK Research and Innovation.
The seven latest new businesses will be located at BBSRC’s Rothamsted Campus in Hertfordshire and Aber Innovation in Aberystwyth, as well as STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory, at Sci-Tech Daresbury in the Liverpool City Region.
Dr Karen Lewis, BBSRC’s executive director, Capability and Innovation, said: “BBSRC is pleased to welcome these seven pioneering biotech start‑ups 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.”