Innovate UK

Innovate UK is a non-departmental public body established in 2007 and based in Swindon, United Kingdom. Funded by a government grant, it supports innovation in science and technology by providing funding services to businesses across various sectors and regions. The organization aims to drive productivity and economic growth by facilitating advancements that contribute to the UK’s economic landscape. In addition to funding, Innovate UK offers a range of services and information related to business and economic development, thereby fostering a supportive environment for innovation.

Mike Biddle

Programme Director of Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund

Will Drury

Executive Director, Digital and Technologies

Paul Gadd

Deputy Director

Dr. Tom Jenkins

Deputy Director

Tim Murley

Interim Chief Investment Officer

Scott James O'Brien

Director, Innovation Finance

Dave Wilkes

Director of Innovation Ecosystem

Past deals in Life Science

EnsiliTech

Pre Seed Round in 2023
EnsiliTech is a biopharmaceuticals company that preserves the integrity of vaccines and other biological materials.

Stemnovate

Grant in 2022
Stemnovate Limited is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, founded in 2016. It specializes in providing innovative tools and technologies for drug screening and safety testing. The company offers a range of products, including induced pluripotent stem cells, primary human and multispecies cells, and a comprehensive cell culture and analysis package. Stemnovate's project, "Liver on chip," focuses on liver toxicity testing and incorporates advanced techniques in cellular reprogramming and organ-on-chip technology. The company also provides services such as cell reprogramming, differentiation, and application development. Its clientele includes pharmacists, contract research organizations, small to medium enterprises, and academic institutions, enabling researchers to overcome challenges associated with traditional mammalian cell lines in drug discovery.

Awakn Life Sciences

Grant in 2022
Awakn Life Sciences Corp is a clinical-stage biotechnology company intended to develop therapeutics to treat addiction with a near-term focus on Alcohol Use Disorder. The Company focuses on Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), a condition affecting people in the US and key international markets and many people globally for which the current standard of care is inadequate, enabling it to provide breakthrough therapeutics to addiction sufferers in desperate need.

SEQUENTIAL

Grant in 2022
Sequential Skin is a diagnostic platform company targeting skin longevity and aging. Our team specialises in genetics, epigenetics, and the skin microbiome.

SENISCA

Grant in 2022
Senisca is a senotherapeutics company established in 2020, focused on developing anti-aging oligonucleotide therapeutics. The company aims to provide innovative pharmaceutical treatments for age-related chronic diseases by creating a new generation of oligonucleotide-based interventions. These therapeutics target the underlying mechanisms of aging, restoring the ability of cells to regulate gene expression effectively. By rejuvenating aged cells, Senisca seeks to improve healthspan and address both the diseases and aesthetic manifestations of aging, ultimately enabling individuals to live healthier for longer periods.

Biotangents

Debt Financing in 2022
Biotangents Ltd., founded in 2015 and based in Glasgow, United Kingdom, specializes in designing and building biological pathways for the production of valuable natural materials. The company utilizes its proprietary Leapfrog Assembly platform to create complex genetic constructs from various DNA components. Among its innovations is the development of terpenoid biosynthesis strains and the Short Sequence Randomisation technology for DNA randomisation. Biotangents has also conceptualized Moduleic Sensing, a modular cell-free nucleic acid detection technology, which led to the creation of a diagnostic test for identifying infectious diseases in livestock. This veterinary diagnostic device employs isothermal amplification technology, enabling precise detection without significant technical demands and allowing for quick adaptation to new targets. The solutions provided by Biotangents aim to mitigate the impact of infectious diseases in livestock, thereby enhancing the efficiency of animal protein production.

PheroSyn

Grant in 2022
PheroSyn specializes in the development and production of innovative pest pheromones aimed at enhancing agricultural practices. A spin-out from Rothamsted Research, a prominent non-profit research center, PheroSyn focuses on creating pheromone-based integrated pesticides. These products utilize pheromone traps to effectively attract specific pest species, allowing farmers to monitor pest infestations accurately. By providing clear indicators of pest presence, PheroSyn's solutions help farmers minimize unnecessary over-spraying, thereby improving cost efficiency and optimizing resource utilization. The company's approach contributes to more sustainable agricultural practices, benefiting farmers and society as a whole.

PheroSyn

Grant in 2021
PheroSyn specializes in the development and production of innovative pest pheromones aimed at enhancing agricultural practices. A spin-out from Rothamsted Research, a prominent non-profit research center, PheroSyn focuses on creating pheromone-based integrated pesticides. These products utilize pheromone traps to effectively attract specific pest species, allowing farmers to monitor pest infestations accurately. By providing clear indicators of pest presence, PheroSyn's solutions help farmers minimize unnecessary over-spraying, thereby improving cost efficiency and optimizing resource utilization. The company's approach contributes to more sustainable agricultural practices, benefiting farmers and society as a whole.

CN-Bio

Grant in 2021
CN Bio Innovations Ltd, based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, specializes in developing Organ-on-Chip devices aimed at enhancing preclinical drug testing for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. The company creates microphysiological systems and consumables that enable consumer goods and chemical firms to assess the toxicity and safety of novel compounds using in vitro studies across various biological processes, including oncology, infectious diseases, metabolism, and inflammation. Formerly known as Zyoxel Ltd, CN Bio is recognized for its proprietary LiverChip® platform, which features a full viral lifecycle model of hepatitis B, called Quantum-B®. This model is utilized in drug discovery and research partnerships with leading industry players. Collaborating with academic experts in bio-engineering and supported by grants from organizations such as the United States Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency and the UK Technology Strategy Board, CN Bio is committed to advancing next-generation organ-on-chip technologies to facilitate the development of innovative therapies that could improve global health outcomes.
Light Science Technologies is a company that specializes in light technology, primarily serving the controlled environment agriculture sector. The firm develops and manufactures contract electronic boards and lighting products tailored for this industry. While its current focus is on providing solutions for controlled agriculture, the company also has plans for future applications in non-invasive medical diagnostics. The majority of its revenue is generated from the contract electronics manufacturing segment, highlighting its expertise in this area.

Near-Life

Grant in 2019
Near-life™ is the home of immersive learning content. Near-life are pioneers in the use of interactive video for learning. Near-life are a creative mix of technology, learning and media.professionals.

Sense Biodetection

Grant in 2019
Sense Biodetection Limited is a molecular diagnostics company based in Abingdon, United Kingdom, established in 2013. The company specializes in developing innovative, user-centered, handheld diagnostic tests aimed at enhancing healthcare decisions, particularly in the fields of infections and oncology. Its flagship product, True Point-of-Care, serves as a clinical diagnostic tool that empowers users to make informed treatment decisions in a decentralized healthcare environment. By employing advanced molecular methods, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, Sense Biodetection's equipment allows clinics and medical professionals to detect infections promptly and effectively, facilitating immediate treatment options.

Bionema

Grant in 2018
Bionema is a leading biopesticide product testing and technology development company, specialising in chemical-free, organic crop protection. Research is focused on the development of natural products to protect crops from insect damage, reducing the use of synthetic pesticides, enhancing food security and increasing crop yields. Bionema supplies specialist bio-control products to the horticulture, turf and amenity and forestry sectors, providing training aimed at increasing the product efficacy.

Orbit Discovery

Grant in 2018
Orbit Discovery Ltd. is a peptide display technology company based in Oxford, United Kingdom, founded in 2015. The company specializes in identifying peptide drugs aimed at treating chronic diseases by leveraging its innovative in vitro display technology. This technology utilizes small beads to connect randomized peptide sequences with their corresponding DNA, facilitating the screening of peptides for various disease types. Orbit Discovery focuses on developing a screening platform that identifies potential peptide drug candidates for both internal drug discovery programs and collaborative research initiatives. The company’s platform offers a means to discover and optimize novel, biologically relevant peptides, capitalizing on the unique properties of peptides that combine the specificity and efficacy of larger biologic molecules with the advantages of smaller molecules, such as reduced dosing and simpler manufacturing processes. This approach aims to enhance the discovery and development of peptide-based therapeutics.

Roslin Cells

Grant in 2018
Roslin Cells is the parent company of Roslin Cell Therapies. Based in Edinburgh, UK Roslin Cell Therapies has a wealth of expertise, capabilities and industry recognition in process translation to GMP, development, optimization, scale up and the GMP manufacture of Cell Therapy and Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs).

Elasmogen

Grant in 2018
Elasmogen Ltd, a biopharmaceutical company, discovers and develops sight-saving therapies for inflammatory eye diseases. The company develops soloMER that are small (11 kDa) and stable proteins that have squeezed a fourth binding loop into their single domain format and are derived evolutionarily from a non-antibody lineage, placing them outside the complex/competitive antibody patent landscape. Its pipeline includes ELN/21 and ELN/22, which are auto-immune mediated anti-inflammatory programs; soloMER-drug-conjugates; and NDure, a soloMER (humanized clinical candidate) available for extending the plasma half-life of fused partner molecules, such as scFv, peptides, growth factors, single domains, etc. Elasmogen Ltd has strategic partnerships with Almac Discovery Ltd and Merck Inc. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Aberdeen, United Kingdom.

Phico Therapeutics

Grant in 2018
Phico Therapeutics Limited operates as a biotechnology company that primarily focuses on developing antibiotics to overcome antibacterial resistance. Its SASPject platform delivers anti-bacterial proteins, such as small acid-soluble spore proteins to selected bacterial species using targetable non-delivery vehicles. The company’s portfolio includes SASPject PT3, an antibiotic against Pseudomonas aeruginosa; SASPject PT4 and SASPject PT5 for systemic use against Klebsiella pneumonia and Escherichia coli; and SASPject PT1.2 that targets Staphylococcus aureus. Phico Therapeutics Limited was incorporated in 2000 and is based in Bourn, United Kingdom.

Sentinel Oncology

Grant in 2018
Sentinel Oncology Limited, a drug discovery company, develops and commercializes therapeutics to treat cancer. The company develops small molecule approaches to target the microenvironment of solid tumors. Its R&D programs pipeline includes Checkpoint Kinase 1, a protein kinase that activates in response to DNA damage and DNA replication stress; and an approach to treat metastatic breast cancer by developing a drug that inhibits S6K1 and offers treatment options for patients. The company was founded in 2005 and is based in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

Cobra Biologics

Grant in 2018
Cobra Biologics Limited specializes in contract manufacturing services for biologics and pharmaceuticals, catering to pre-clinical, clinical, and commercial supply needs. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including cell line development, GMP cell banking, stability testing, protein characterization, and various analytical services. It focuses on producing mammalian and microbial proteins, along with cGMP virus services essential for gene therapy and vaccine production. Cobra Biologics also provides plasmid DNA services, encompassing both non-GMP and GMP processes, and has expertise in aseptic pharmaceutical manufacturing, freeze-drying, and injectable product filling. With facilities in Keele, United Kingdom, and Södertälje, Sweden, the company has built a strong reputation in the global life sciences sector, supporting the development and commercialization of drugs through a combination of integrated and stand-alone services. Founded in 1992 and formerly known as RecipharmCobra Biologics Limited, Cobra Biologics operates as a subsidiary of Cognate BioServices, Inc.

Oxford BioMedica

Grant in 2018
Oxford BioMedica is a pioneer of gene and cell therapy, with a leading industry position in lentiviral vector and cell therapy research, development and manufacture. Gene therapy is the treatment of disease by delivering therapeutic DNA into a patient’s cells. This can be either in vivo or ex vivo, the latter encompassing the field of cell therapy whereby genetically modified cells are put back into the body. Their pipeline of seven gene and cell therapy therapy products addresses diseases for which there is currently no treatment or that are inadequately treated today, including ocular and central nervous system disorders. Their product candidates have the potential to transform treatment landscapes. Their strategy is to develop their product candidates to their next value inflection points whilst continuing to build OXB Solutions into a valuable revenue-generating manufacturing and development services business.

BioSystems Technology

Grant in 2018
BioSystems Technology engages in the development of alternative research models. BioSystems Technology was founded by an infectious disease research fellow and a Professor of Molecular Pathogenicity based at the University of Exeter.

Touchlight Genetics

Grant in 2017
Touchlight Genetics Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in Leatherhead, United Kingdom, focused on DNA therapies and technology. Founded in 2008, the company has developed the proTL synthetic DNA platform, which enables the production of doggybone closed linear DNA without the need for bacterial fermentation. This innovative approach serves various applications including veterinary vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, gene therapy, allergy treatment, RNA interference therapies, and stem cell reprogramming. Touchlight has assembled a skilled team of scientists and drug development experts, led by founder and CEO Jonny Ohlson, who is supported by a dynamic management team. The company has formed strategic collaborations with prestigious academic institutions such as Imperial College London and the University of Pennsylvania, contributing to the advancement of its technologies and the establishment of therapeutic proof-of-principle.

CN-Bio

Grant in 2017
CN Bio Innovations Ltd, based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, specializes in developing Organ-on-Chip devices aimed at enhancing preclinical drug testing for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. The company creates microphysiological systems and consumables that enable consumer goods and chemical firms to assess the toxicity and safety of novel compounds using in vitro studies across various biological processes, including oncology, infectious diseases, metabolism, and inflammation. Formerly known as Zyoxel Ltd, CN Bio is recognized for its proprietary LiverChip® platform, which features a full viral lifecycle model of hepatitis B, called Quantum-B®. This model is utilized in drug discovery and research partnerships with leading industry players. Collaborating with academic experts in bio-engineering and supported by grants from organizations such as the United States Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency and the UK Technology Strategy Board, CN Bio is committed to advancing next-generation organ-on-chip technologies to facilitate the development of innovative therapies that could improve global health outcomes.

Sentinel Oncology

Grant in 2017
Sentinel Oncology Limited, a drug discovery company, develops and commercializes therapeutics to treat cancer. The company develops small molecule approaches to target the microenvironment of solid tumors. Its R&D programs pipeline includes Checkpoint Kinase 1, a protein kinase that activates in response to DNA damage and DNA replication stress; and an approach to treat metastatic breast cancer by developing a drug that inhibits S6K1 and offers treatment options for patients. The company was founded in 2005 and is based in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

Sphere Fluidics

Grant in 2017
Sphere Fluidics Limited is a life sciences company focused on developing innovative technologies for single-cell analysis and characterization. The company offers specialized cell analysis systems that facilitate the discovery of new cell strains and molecules, aiding scientists in screening for and isolating rare biological variants. Their products serve various applications, including research, therapeutic development, bioproduction, and diagnostics. By providing collaborative research and development services, Sphere Fluidics aims to help clients enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate advancements in biological and biopharmaceutical discovery.

Plasticell

Grant in 2017
Plasticell is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapeutics through advanced cell culture and drug discovery platforms. The company specializes in elucidating the biochemical mechanisms that regulate the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells, which are essential for tissue development and repair. By testing a wide range of cell culture variables, Plasticell aims to establish optimal laboratory protocols for various applications in cell biology, gene transduction, protein production, and drug screening. This approach enables researchers to create novel small molecule drugs that promote regenerative medicine and improve therapeutic outcomes.

Elasmogen

Grant in 2017
Elasmogen Ltd, a biopharmaceutical company, discovers and develops sight-saving therapies for inflammatory eye diseases. The company develops soloMER that are small (11 kDa) and stable proteins that have squeezed a fourth binding loop into their single domain format and are derived evolutionarily from a non-antibody lineage, placing them outside the complex/competitive antibody patent landscape. Its pipeline includes ELN/21 and ELN/22, which are auto-immune mediated anti-inflammatory programs; soloMER-drug-conjugates; and NDure, a soloMER (humanized clinical candidate) available for extending the plasma half-life of fused partner molecules, such as scFv, peptides, growth factors, single domains, etc. Elasmogen Ltd has strategic partnerships with Almac Discovery Ltd and Merck Inc. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Aberdeen, United Kingdom.

Stemnovate

Grant in 2017
Stemnovate Limited is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, founded in 2016. It specializes in providing innovative tools and technologies for drug screening and safety testing. The company offers a range of products, including induced pluripotent stem cells, primary human and multispecies cells, and a comprehensive cell culture and analysis package. Stemnovate's project, "Liver on chip," focuses on liver toxicity testing and incorporates advanced techniques in cellular reprogramming and organ-on-chip technology. The company also provides services such as cell reprogramming, differentiation, and application development. Its clientele includes pharmacists, contract research organizations, small to medium enterprises, and academic institutions, enabling researchers to overcome challenges associated with traditional mammalian cell lines in drug discovery.

LIFNano Therapeutics

Grant in 2016
LIFNano Therapeutics was founded in 2013 as a spin-out from the University of Cambridge, progressing to a clinical stage Nano-Bio-Med company specifically focused on targeted delivery of the biologic, Leukaemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF)..

Oxford Genetics

Grant in 2016
Oxford Genetics Ltd. is a UK-based synthetic biology company that focuses on DNA design, protein expression optimization, and cell line development technologies. The company specializes in producing versatile cloning plasmids for academic and biotechnology research, including offerings such as CRISPR plasmids, reporter genes, and various DNA constructs tailored for different purposes. In addition to its plasmid products, Oxford Genetics provides custom cloning and DNA synthesis services, all free of intellectual property restrictions. The company distributes its products through a network of distributors in multiple countries and also offers an online purchasing platform for customers. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Begbroke, Oxford Genetics has formed a strategic partnership with The Native Antigen Company Ltd. to enhance its service offerings.

Isansys Lifecare

Grant in 2016
Isansys Lifecare is a new generation medical device and healthcare information company.

Sentinel Oncology

Grant in 2015
Sentinel Oncology Limited, a drug discovery company, develops and commercializes therapeutics to treat cancer. The company develops small molecule approaches to target the microenvironment of solid tumors. Its R&D programs pipeline includes Checkpoint Kinase 1, a protein kinase that activates in response to DNA damage and DNA replication stress; and an approach to treat metastatic breast cancer by developing a drug that inhibits S6K1 and offers treatment options for patients. The company was founded in 2005 and is based in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

Levicept

Grant in 2014
Levicept Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in Sandwich, United Kingdom, founded in 2012. The company focuses on developing innovative biological therapies for chronic pain management, specifically targeting conditions such as osteoarthritis and neuropathic pain. Levicept is advancing a novel therapy, LEVI-04 (p75NTR-Fc), which aims to restore neurotrophin homeostasis by stabilizing binding proteins for excess neurotrophins associated with chronic pain states. This approach seeks to address the significant unmet medical need for safe and effective analgesics, particularly given the limitations and adverse effects of traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Levicept is currently progressing LEVI-04 into phase I clinical trials to evaluate its safety and efficacy in patients with osteoarthritis.

Locate Bio

Grant in 2014
Locate Bio Limited is a regenerative medicine company specializing in innovative solutions for tissue repair. The company has developed a platform utilizing Targeted, Orchestrated Signaling technology, which focuses therapeutic signals at the site of tissue injuries. This approach enhances the effectiveness of cell therapies and facilitates localized repair by providing a supportive structure for tissue regeneration. Locate Bio’s products are applicable across various clinical fields, including orthopedics, cardiology, neurology, dentistry, and reconstructive surgery. The company's offerings include thermally activated and injectable scaffolds that solidify within the body, enabling advanced pharmaceutical delivery and supporting tissue growth. Established in 2001 and based in Nottingham, United Kingdom, Locate Bio aims to address significant unmet clinical needs, primarily assisting surgeons in improving the quality of life for patients with challenging spinal conditions.

Prokarium

Grant in 2013
Prokarium Limited is a biopharmaceutical company based in London, United Kingdom, focused on developing innovative vaccination and cancer immunotherapy solutions utilizing synthetic biology. The company specializes in microbial genetics products that aim to generate robust immune responses, including mucosal, systemic, and cellular immunity. Prokarium's product portfolio includes vaccines for infectious diseases such as Clostridium difficile, Chlamydia trachomatis, plague, and enteric fever, as well as Vaxonella, which facilitates the delivery of antigens through the gastrointestinal tract to stimulate immune responses. The company aims to transform the oncology landscape by developing immunotherapy treatments, particularly targeting solid tumors and bladder cancer, through a synthetic biology platform designed to create living cures. Founded in 2007, Prokarium strives to enhance the safety and effectiveness of vaccines and immunotherapies in combating various diseases.

Isogenica

Grant in 2012
Isogenica Limited is a biotechnology company based in Little Chesterford, United Kingdom, that specializes in designing and licensing synthetic antibody libraries and display technologies for antibody discovery. The company offers several systems, including the llamdA System for single-domain antibodies, the Xab System for human antibody fragments, and the 4D Fab System for synthetic human antibodies. Additionally, Isogenica provides peptide and scaffold platforms to facilitate the development of therapeutic peptides aimed at treating diseases. Its proprietary vitro display technology, known as CIS display, is employed to discover biologically active peptides, proteins, and antibodies. The company's innovative small-format antibodies can be utilized to create bispecific and multi-specific biotherapeutics, enhancing targeted drug delivery in applications such as antibody-drug conjugates and cell and gene therapies. Established in 1998 and originally named Pharmacophorix Limited, Isogenica serves pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, contributing significantly to advancements in medical research and therapeutic development.

Sentinel Oncology

Grant in 2012
Sentinel Oncology Limited, a drug discovery company, develops and commercializes therapeutics to treat cancer. The company develops small molecule approaches to target the microenvironment of solid tumors. Its R&D programs pipeline includes Checkpoint Kinase 1, a protein kinase that activates in response to DNA damage and DNA replication stress; and an approach to treat metastatic breast cancer by developing a drug that inhibits S6K1 and offers treatment options for patients. The company was founded in 2005 and is based in Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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