Innovate UK

Innovate U.K. is a NPO that offers funding services to support science and technology innovations. The organization offers services and information on births, deaths, marriages, business, self-employed, childcare, parenting, citizenship, law, disabled persons, transportation, education, environment, housing, money, tax, travel, immigration, and jobs. Innovate U.K. is based in Swindon.

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

Scott James O'Brien

Director, Innovation Finance

Nigel Walker

Deputy Director, Lending and Investor Partnerships

Dave Wilkes

Director of Innovation Ecosystem

Past deals in Genetics

Constructive Bio

Grant in 2025
Constructive Bio is a biotechnology company focused on genome rewriting to unlock new possibilities in bioprocesses and biopharmaceuticals. The company transforms living cells into biofactories, producing sustainable materials and therapeutics. By harnessing advanced technologies, Constructive Bio creates virus-resistant organisms and biosynthesizes a range of enzymes, pharmaceuticals, and biomaterials. This innovative approach allows clients to reprogram genetic codes, enabling the creation of natural molecules that were previously inaccessible through conventional biology. Through its unique capabilities, Constructive Bio aims to lead the development of the next generation of sustainable solutions in the life sciences.

SEQUENTIAL

Grant in 2025
Sequential Skin and Sequential Bio fall under the umbrella of Sequential: The Skin Microbiome Testing Co™ Awarded the title "Most Significant" Testing Solution in the Industry - (Cosmetics & Toiletries, 2022), Sequential Bio is the skin microbiome company of the industry that specializes in microbiome testing and claims substantiation for brands formulating products for skin, scalp, vagina/vulva and oral care. Sequential offers a full end-to-end platform from study design, recruitment and testing, to analysis, and support on formulation development and certification. And it’s all done in vivo! Sequential Skin on the other hand is revolutionising skin health with the world's first consumer skin microbiome test. Formed of an award-winning team with a mission to empower individuals to make better-informed decisions about their skin health. (www.sequentialskin.com) Sequential is the product of the team's combined expertise in epigenetics, genetics, and microbiome research. Supported by Innovate UK, Enterprise SG, A*STAR, Genome Institute of Singapore, IndieBio New York, SOSV, Metaplanet, Scrum Ventures, CSB, and is a resident company of Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS. Seen in Tatler, Cosmetic Designs, Tech Crunch, Genome Web, La Petite Journal, Global Wellness Summit, and Yahoo.

Epitopea

Grant in 2024
Epitopea is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative immunotherapies for cancer treatment by targeting a new class of tumor-specific antigens. The company employs a proprietary approach that combines immunopeptidomics, mass spectrometry, genomics, and bioinformatics to identify conserved, aberrantly expressed tumor-specific antigens hidden within cancer's non-coding DNA. This technology aims to create therapies that effectively eliminate malignant cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue, thereby reducing side effects and providing lasting benefits for patients. Research conducted by Drs. Claude Perreault and Pierre Thibault at the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer at Université de Montréal has been instrumental in the discovery of these novel antigens, known as Cryptigen™ TSAs, which are shared among patients with the same cancer type.

Laverock Therapeutics

Grant in 2023
Laverock Therapeutics is focused on advancing gene silencing technology to create innovative programmable cell therapies. Their platform enables the engineering of next-generation allogeneic cell therapies that can adapt to both internal and external environmental signals. This capability allows for the development of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived products that offer enhanced efficacy, safety, and accessibility, addressing many of the challenges faced by traditional therapeutic methods. Through its pioneering approach, Laverock Therapeutics aims to facilitate significant advancements in the fields of medicine and biotechnology.

CGT Catapult

Grant in 2023
The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult is a UK-based center dedicated to fostering innovation in the cell and gene therapy sector. Supported by Innovate UK, its primary objective is to accelerate the development of commercially viable therapies by assisting organizations in translating early-stage research into market-ready products. The Catapult employs over 120 experts in cell and gene therapy and features advanced laboratories for development and viral vector research. Additionally, it is in the process of establishing a £55 million large-scale Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) manufacturing center to facilitate the market introduction of cell and gene therapies both in the UK and internationally. By offering expertise in clinical trials, process development, manufacturing, regulatory affairs, health economics, and market access, the Catapult aims to help research organizations achieve full-scale commercialization of their therapies.

Senisca

Grant in 2023
Senisca is a biotech start-up. They propose to create a new generation of oligonucleotide-based interventions to rewind the clock in old cells and target diseases and cosmetic signs of aging. They provide molecular and cellular biology and have patent-protected an innovation for the reversal of cellular senescence.

LabGenius

Grant in 2022
LabGenius Ltd is a biopharmaceutical company based in London that focuses on discovering new biological molecules through the integration of artificial intelligence, automation, and synthetic DNA. Founded in 2012, the company has developed a robotic platform known as EVA, which acts as a robot scientist capable of designing, conducting, and learning from its own experiments. LabGenius specializes in developing next-generation protein therapeutics aimed at addressing unmet medical needs, including conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Their innovative approach utilizes advanced machine learning and synthetic biology to engineer the properties of protein drugs, enhancing attributes such as protease stability and tissue penetration. This technology enables the efficient creation of protein therapeutics, providing physicians with access to cutting-edge treatments developed through robotic automation.

SEQUENTIAL

Grant in 2022
Sequential Skin and Sequential Bio fall under the umbrella of Sequential: The Skin Microbiome Testing Co™ Awarded the title "Most Significant" Testing Solution in the Industry - (Cosmetics & Toiletries, 2022), Sequential Bio is the skin microbiome company of the industry that specializes in microbiome testing and claims substantiation for brands formulating products for skin, scalp, vagina/vulva and oral care. Sequential offers a full end-to-end platform from study design, recruitment and testing, to analysis, and support on formulation development and certification. And it’s all done in vivo! Sequential Skin on the other hand is revolutionising skin health with the world's first consumer skin microbiome test. Formed of an award-winning team with a mission to empower individuals to make better-informed decisions about their skin health. (www.sequentialskin.com) Sequential is the product of the team's combined expertise in epigenetics, genetics, and microbiome research. Supported by Innovate UK, Enterprise SG, A*STAR, Genome Institute of Singapore, IndieBio New York, SOSV, Metaplanet, Scrum Ventures, CSB, and is a resident company of Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS. Seen in Tatler, Cosmetic Designs, Tech Crunch, Genome Web, La Petite Journal, Global Wellness Summit, and Yahoo.

Senisca

Grant in 2022
Senisca is a biotech start-up. They propose to create a new generation of oligonucleotide-based interventions to rewind the clock in old cells and target diseases and cosmetic signs of aging. They provide molecular and cellular biology and have patent-protected an innovation for the reversal of cellular senescence.

Biotangents

Debt Financing in 2022
Biotangents was founded upon their Leapfrog Assembly™ platform technology for building complex genetic constructs from multiple DNA parts. This was developed through a SMART: Scotland award from Scottish Enterprise and was exe0mplified through the generation of their terpenoid biosynthesis strains. During that successful first year they also developed their DNA randomisation technology, Short Sequence Randomisation™. In 2016, having formulated a concept for a modular cell-free nucleic acid detection technology, Moduleic Sensing™, and with support from SynbiCITE, they commenced development of their first diagnostic test, a highly specific and sensitive solution for pen-side diagnosis of infectious diseases in livestock.

Cytochroma

Grant in 2021
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.

Senisca

Grant in 2021
Senisca is a biotech start-up. They propose to create a new generation of oligonucleotide-based interventions to rewind the clock in old cells and target diseases and cosmetic signs of aging. They provide molecular and cellular biology and have patent-protected an innovation for the reversal of cellular senescence.

Freeline Therapeutics

Grant in 2019
Freeline Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-mediated gene therapies aimed at treating inherited systemic diseases. The company employs engineered AAV vectors and capsids, alongside novel promoters and transgenes, to introduce functional copies of therapeutic genes into human liver cells. This process allows for the production of essential proteins in the bloodstream, addressing deficiencies caused by genetic disorders. Freeline's key product candidates include FLT180a for hemophilia B, FLT190 for Fabry disease, and FLT201 for Gaucher disease Type 1. Their ongoing development programs encompass various clinical trials to advance these gene therapies and provide transformative solutions for patients suffering from debilitating conditions.

Mendelian

Grant in 2019
Mendelian is helping doctors diagnose rare genetic diseases faster. Mendelian uses patient’s clinical features to find genes responsible for rare diseases. Mendelian's intelligent agent parses patient's phenotypic features entered by a physician and outputs their causative genes and mutations. Thus offering a new way of investigating undiagnosed cases.

PepGen

Grant in 2018
PepGen is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Oxford, United Kingdom, focused on advancing nucleic acid therapeutics, particularly antisense oligonucleotides. Founded in 2018, the company aims to enhance the delivery and efficacy of these therapies through its proprietary Enhanced Delivery Oligonucleotide (EDO) platform. This innovative platform utilizes engineered peptides designed to improve tissue penetration, cellular uptake, and nuclear delivery of oligonucleotides. PepGen's technology has shown promise in preclinical studies, demonstrating the ability to transport therapeutics effectively into various target tissues, including smooth, skeletal, and cardiac muscle, as well as the central nervous system. The company's mission is to unlock the full potential of nucleic acid therapeutics to transform the treatment landscape for severe neuromuscular and neurological diseases.

STORM Therapeutics

Grant in 2018
Targeting pathways that modify RNA to deliver novel cancer therapeutics.

Eagle Genomics

Grant in 2018
Eagle Genomics is an enterprise software solutions company focused on managing and analyzing genomics and life sciences data. Its suite of products helps life science companies maximize the value of their research and development data by transforming data sets into actionable assets, thereby improving productivity and reducing costs and time in research processes. The company's platform offers an intuitive approach for curating, integrating, sharing, and analyzing scientific data, addressing the challenges faced by industries such as pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and agri-tech. With a unique combination of expertise in biology, bioinformatics, data science, and software engineering, Eagle Genomics is well-positioned to tackle the complexities of data management in the genomics era, providing clarity on the value of digital assets and the return on information.

Oxford BioMedica

Grant in 2018
Oxford BioMedica is a biopharmaceutical company based in Oxford, United Kingdom, specializing in gene and cell therapy. It is recognized for its expertise in lentiviral vector technology, which allows for the integration of therapeutic genes into non-dividing cells, including neurons and retinal cells. The company operates in two main segments: Platform and Product. The Platform segment focuses on bioprocessing and development services for third parties, while the Product segment is dedicated to the clinical and preclinical development of gene and cell therapies targeting a range of diseases, particularly those affecting the ocular and central nervous system. Oxford BioMedica's product pipeline includes several candidates, such as OXB-302 for haematological tumors and OXB-203 for wet age-related macular degeneration, among others. The company has established partnerships with major pharmaceutical firms, including Novartis and Bristol Myers Squibb, to enhance its research and development efforts. Founded in 1995, Oxford BioMedica aims to transform treatment options for diseases with limited or no existing therapies.

Touchlight Genetics

Grant in 2017
Touchlight Genetics Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in Leatherhead, United Kingdom, specializing in DNA therapies and technology. Founded in 2007, it has developed the proTL synthetic DNA platform, which allows for the production of doggybone closed linear DNA without the need for bacterial fermentation. This innovative approach supports various applications, including veterinary vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, cancer and gene therapies, allergy treatments, RNA interference therapies, and stem cell reprogramming. The company boasts a skilled scientific and drug development team, led by founder and CEO Jonny Ohlson, and includes experienced professionals such as Clive Dix and John Tite. Touchlight has established partnerships with several leading academic institutions, including Imperial College London and the University of Pennsylvania, to advance its research and development efforts. The company has successfully patented its synthetic DNA platform and demonstrated therapeutic proof-of-principle through collaboration with these academic partners.

CHAIN Biotechnology

Grant in 2017
CHAIN Biotechnology is a microbiome therapeutics company with a novel drug development platform targeting chronic gut-related diseases. CHAIN is developing several therapeutic compounds targeted to the gut microbiome in the large intestine that can be delivered by our CADD technology.

Eagle Genomics

Grant in 2017
Eagle Genomics is an enterprise software solutions company focused on managing and analyzing genomics and life sciences data. Its suite of products helps life science companies maximize the value of their research and development data by transforming data sets into actionable assets, thereby improving productivity and reducing costs and time in research processes. The company's platform offers an intuitive approach for curating, integrating, sharing, and analyzing scientific data, addressing the challenges faced by industries such as pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and agri-tech. With a unique combination of expertise in biology, bioinformatics, data science, and software engineering, Eagle Genomics is well-positioned to tackle the complexities of data management in the genomics era, providing clarity on the value of digital assets and the return on information.

Oxford Genetics

Grant in 2016
Oxford Genetics Ltd. is a UK-based biotechnology company that specializes in synthetic biology, focusing on DNA design, protein expression optimization, and cell line development technologies and services. The company offers a variety of plasmid products, including CRISPR plasmids, reporter genes, and viral vectors, which are used for various research and production applications. All products are designed to be free of intellectual property restrictions. Oxford Genetics provides its offerings through a global distribution network, serving customers in countries such as the United States, Canada, Germany, and Japan, while also enabling online purchases. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Begbroke, the company has established a strategic partnership with The Native Antigen Company Ltd. to enhance its capabilities in the biotechnology sector.

Genomics

Grant in 2015
Genomics plc is focused on transforming healthcare through advanced genomic analysis. The company employs sophisticated methodologies to analyze large integrated datasets of genomic and phenotypic information, aiming to enhance understanding of human biology. By leveraging genetic inference technology, Genomics plc seeks to identify new drug targets for serious diseases and assess individual disease risk. Their analytical platform enables the exploration of genomic sequence data, providing valuable insights that support pharmaceutical companies in reducing risks associated with drug development. This approach not only aims to improve healthcare outcomes but also sets a standard for how organizations and patients can benefit from genomic data.
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