Innovate UK

Constructive Bio is a biotechnology company that rewrites genomes to turn living cells into biofactories for sustainable materials and therapeutics. By controlling the genetic sequence, it enables the biosynthesis of enzymes, pharmaceuticals, and biomaterials while exploring chemical space beyond natural biology. The approach includes developing virus-resistant organisms and supporting next-generation bioprocesses and biopharmaceuticals.

Sequential Skin is a diagnostic platform focused on skin longevity and aging, leveraging expertise in genetics, epigenetics, and the skin microbiome. The company specializes in clinical microbiome testing for skin, scalp, and female health. Its primary offering is a skin health test that employs quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) technology to analyze specific markers within the skin microbiome. This analysis provides individuals with a detailed understanding of their skin profile, helping them identify their unique skincare needs. By delivering personalized insights, Sequential Skin empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their skincare routines.

Myogenes provides psychiatric tests, heredity cancer tests, and mental health mind maps.

Epitopea is a transatlantic biotechnology company focused on developing immunotherapies that target a novel class of tumor‑specific antigens. Using a proprietary pipeline that combines immunopetidomics, mass spectrometry, genomics and bioinformatics, the company identifies conserved, aberrantly expressed antigens hidden in cancer’s ‘junk’ DNA. These Cryptigen TSAs are shared across patients with the same cancer indication, allowing therapies to selectively eliminate malignant cells while sparing healthy tissue, with the goal of providing durable, low‑side‑effect treatments.

Lentitek is a cell and gene therapy company developing gene therapies and gene-modified cell therapies to broaden access to cures. It focuses on increasing the production yields of lentiviral vectors through its platform, using a novel promoter and proprietary production methods. The approach aims to deliver substantially higher yields, potentially reducing manufacturing costs and improving scalability for healthcare providers delivering gene therapies.

SynaptixBio is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for severe leukodystrophies, particularly targeting TUBB4a Leukodystrophy. By addressing the root causes of these conditions, SynaptixBio aims to provide potential curative treatments that could significantly disrupt existing treatment practices. The company is dedicated to translating groundbreaking research into transformative therapeutic options, specifically by altering the expression of a mutated gene responsible for the disease. Through its efforts, SynaptixBio seeks to deliver lifesaving solutions to those affected by this acute subset of leukodystrophies.

SynaptixBio is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for severe leukodystrophies, particularly targeting TUBB4a Leukodystrophy. By addressing the root causes of these conditions, SynaptixBio aims to provide potential curative treatments that could significantly disrupt existing treatment practices. The company is dedicated to translating groundbreaking research into transformative therapeutic options, specifically by altering the expression of a mutated gene responsible for the disease. Through its efforts, SynaptixBio seeks to deliver lifesaving solutions to those affected by this acute subset of leukodystrophies.

Laverock Therapeutics develops a gene silencing platform for creating programmable, allogeneic cell therapies.

Beta Bugs specializes in insect genetics, developing high-performance Black Soldier Fly breeds for insect farmers. Headquartered at Easter Bush Campus, it collaborates with the Roslin Institute to enhance productivity in the insect protein sector.

TherageniX specializes in gene therapy for tissue regeneration, focusing on orthopedic applications. The company's patented technology uses a non-viral delivery system to introduce specific genes, such as VEGF and BMP, into autologous bone marrow cells, enhancing their regenerative capacity. This process aids in tissue repair and regeneration, improving functional outcomes and reducing donor site trauma for patients with diseases, injuries, or age-related tissue damage.

The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult is a UK-based centre of excellence dedicated to advancing the cell and gene therapy sector globally. Supported by Innovate UK, it aims to facilitate the translation of early-stage research into commercially viable therapies. With over 120 experts and state-of-the-art laboratories at Guy's Hospital in London, CGT Catapult is building a £55m large-scale manufacturing centre to accelerate market access for these therapies.

LabGenius Ltd is a biopharmaceutical company based in London, United Kingdom, focused on discovering and developing new protein therapeutics to address unmet medical needs, including conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Founded in 2012, the company utilizes a machine learning-driven evolution engine and a robotic platform known as EVA, which is capable of designing, conducting, and learning from its own experiments. This innovative approach integrates advanced technologies from synthetic biology, robotics, and machine learning, enabling the engineering of protein drugs with enhanced properties such as protease stability and tissue penetration. By leveraging these cutting-edge methodologies, LabGenius aims to provide physicians with access to novel protein therapeutics that are developed through automation and intelligent design.

Sequential Skin is a diagnostic platform focused on skin longevity and aging, leveraging expertise in genetics, epigenetics, and the skin microbiome. The company specializes in clinical microbiome testing for skin, scalp, and female health. Its primary offering is a skin health test that employs quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) technology to analyze specific markers within the skin microbiome. This analysis provides individuals with a detailed understanding of their skin profile, helping them identify their unique skincare needs. By delivering personalized insights, Sequential Skin empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their skincare routines.

Biotangents Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in Glasgow, United Kingdom, specializing in the design and construction of biological pathways to produce desirable natural materials. Founded in 2015, Biotangents utilizes its proprietary Leapfrog Assembly platform to create complex genetic constructs from multiple DNA components. The company has developed notable technologies such as Short Sequence Randomisation and Moduleic Sensing, the latter of which focuses on modular cell-free nucleic acid detection. Biotangents is also engaged in creating a veterinary diagnostic device aimed at detecting various infectious diseases in livestock. This device utilizes isothermal amplification technology, allowing for precise molecular detection without extensive technical requirements, and can be swiftly adapted to target new pathogens. Through its innovations, Biotangents strives to mitigate the impact of infectious diseases in livestock, enabling more efficient production of animal protein.

Cytochroma manufacture genetically diverse stem cell-derived models to predict the safety and effect of drugs in a global population. Cytochroma’s automated cell manufacture, physiologically relevant models and rapid screening platform makes preclinical testing faster, safer and smarter.

ExplantLab is a research organization based in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. It focuses on investigating the connections between patients' genetics and the design, manufacturing, and performance of medical devices. The company aims to enhance the lives of patients by developing innovative medical solutions tailored to individual genetic profiles.

Freeline Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in systemic adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapies. Its pipeline includes FLT180a for hemophilia B, FLT190 for Fabry disease, FLT201 for type 1 Gaucher disease, and FLT210 for hemophilia A, all in various stages of clinical trials.

The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult is a UK-based centre of excellence dedicated to advancing the cell and gene therapy sector globally. Supported by Innovate UK, it aims to facilitate the translation of early-stage research into commercially viable therapies. With over 120 experts and state-of-the-art laboratories at Guy's Hospital in London, CGT Catapult is building a £55m large-scale manufacturing centre to accelerate market access for these therapies.

Nanna Therapeutics Limited, established in 2012 and headquartered in Cambridge, UK, is a biotechnology company focused on developing drugs for age-related diseases such as mitochondrial, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular/metabolic, joint/tissue diseases, and cancer. As of April 2020, the company operates as a subsidiary of Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd. Nanna Therapeutics employs a unique approach by targeting fundamental cellular processes to create innovative treatments for these conditions, with a particular emphasis on mitochondria, the energy source in every cell. The company's proprietary drug discovery platform, TIME (Totally Integrated Medicines Engine), combines advanced technologies like microfluidics and artificial intelligence to accelerate drug development and disrupt traditional methods of creating new medicines.

Mendelian is a company focused on accelerating the diagnosis of rare genetic diseases. It employs advanced machine learning and knowledge reasoning techniques to analyze patients' clinical features, allowing physicians to identify the genes and mutations responsible for various undiagnosed conditions. By utilizing an intelligent agent, Mendelian streamlines the process of matching patients' phenotypic characteristics with potential genetic causes, thereby enhancing the ability of healthcare professionals to diagnose rare diseases more efficiently. This innovative approach aims to improve patient outcomes by enabling earlier detection and treatment of these complex conditions.

PepGen Ltd. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Oxford, United Kingdom, focused on advancing the next generation of nucleic acid therapeutics, particularly in the treatment of severe neuromuscular and neurologic diseases. Incorporated in 2018, PepGen has developed its Enhanced Delivery Oligonucleotide (EDO) platform, which is designed to improve the uptake and activity of conjugated oligonucleotide therapeutics. The company's innovative EDO peptides enhance tissue penetration, cellular uptake, and nuclear delivery, demonstrating their ability to transport oligonucleotides effectively into various target tissues, including smooth, skeletal, and cardiac muscle, as well as the central nervous system. PepGen aims to unlock the clinical potential of these transformative therapeutics, with a particular emphasis on the effective delivery of antisense oligonucleotides, and is advancing its novel conjugate therapeutics toward clinical application.

Founded in 2015, Evonetix develops innovative technology for parallel DNA synthesis on silicon arrays, facilitating synthetic biology research. Based in Little Chesterford, UK, the company combines scientific and engineering expertise to advance DNA synthesis capabilities.

Beta Bugs specializes in insect genetics, developing high-performance Black Soldier Fly breeds for insect farmers. Headquartered at Easter Bush Campus, it collaborates with the Roslin Institute to enhance productivity in the insect protein sector.

Touchlight Genetics Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in Leatherhead, United Kingdom, specializing in DNA therapies and technology. Founded in 2007, the company has developed the proTL synthetic DNA platform, which enables the production of closed linear DNA, known as doggybone DNA, without the need for bacterial fermentation. This innovative platform is designed for various applications, including veterinary vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, cancer and gene therapies, allergy treatments, RNA interference therapies, and stem cell reprogramming. Touchlight Genetics is led by a team with significant expertise in life sciences, including founder and CEO Jonny Ohlson and Non-Executive Chairman Clive Dix. The company has successfully established collaborations with prominent academic institutions such as Imperial College London and the University of Pennsylvania, enhancing its research capabilities and expanding its impact in the field of DNA vaccine development for oncology and infectious diseases.

Oxford Genetics Ltd. is a UK-based synthetic biology company that focuses on DNA design, protein expression optimization, and cell line development technologies. Founded in 2011 and located in Begbroke, the company specializes in producing versatile cloning plasmids for research purposes in both academic and biotechnology institutions. Its product offerings include a wide range of plasmids, such as CRISPR plasmids, reporter genes, and various genetic tags, which are available for diverse research and production applications. The company ensures that all its products are free of intellectual property restrictions, facilitating broader access for researchers. Oxford Genetics distributes its products globally, reaching customers in numerous countries, and also offers online purchasing options. Additionally, the company maintains a strategic partnership with The Native Antigen Company Ltd.

Founded in 2014, Genomics develops algorithms and software solutions focused on cancer, microbes, and rare diseases. Its solutions empower governments, healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, clinicians, and researchers to improve diagnoses, treatment options, and drug development processes through accurate genomic data analysis.

Isogenica is a UK biotechnology company that develops and licenses discovery technologies for antibodies and related biologics. It designs synthetic antibody libraries and display systems, including single-domain and human antibody fragment libraries, to enable antibody discovery and development. The company also provides peptide and scaffold platforms and supports the construction of multi-specific therapeutics, antibody–drug conjugates, and other targeted delivery approaches. Its CIS display technology enables discovery of biologically active peptides, proteins, and antibodies. Isogenica serves pharmaceutical and biotechnology customers worldwide from bases in the United Kingdom.