Science Creates has launched the second iteration of its equity-free biotech accelerator programme, backed by the UK government and a handful of European and US VCs.
The accelerator programme, funded through the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Technology and Missions Fund, will support the development of deep tech startups developing bioengineering technology.
The scheme, open to any bioengineering startup, is set to launch at the Science Creates deep tech hub in Bristol in June.
Previous solutions developed with the support of the programme include engineering yeast to produce alternative food flavourings, developing novel targeted cancer therapeutics using synthetic biology and harvesting energy from waste using microbes.
Participants will receive training, workshops and networking opportunities and will not have to give up any equity. The startups involved will also have the chance to secure additional funding from UKRI.
The programme will be supported by Amino Collective, Giant VC, Local Globe, Pillar VC and SCVC, the Science Creates venture capital arm.
“Our objective is to build an internationally recognised accelerator programme that gives the direct training and mentorship that is so important when transitioning from scientist to entrepreneur,” said Science Creates founder Dr Harry Destecroix.
“Neither SCVC nor our partners take any equity or option to invest, which is intentional because we believe the opportunity is both enormous and largely untapped.”
SCVC in 2022 received £15m in funding from the Regional Angels Programme delivered by British Business Investments.