Science Creates has worked in partnership with the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to launch the third round of their flagship UK-wide engineering biology accelerator
This programme is designed to support the growth of early-stage projects developing innovative technologies in engineering biology (EngBio).
The UK’s next EngBio leaders
Fully funded by the Technology Mission Fund, the fund provides participants with the opportunity to focus on their startups. This creates an opportunity for scientists and entrepreneurs across the UK to scale up their engineering biology projects, supported by experienced deep-tech investors, mentors, and experts.
The programme targets founders with UK-registered startups in the early stages of development or individuals ready to launch a new Biotech or Biomedical venture. The technology at the heart of these projects should apply to one or more of the following sectors: biomedicine, environmental solutions, food systems, or clean growth.
Programme structure and support
The programme will run from 20 October to 18 December 2025, and the nine-week accelerator will be delivered in a hybrid format, partly hosted at the Science Creates Old Market Incubator in Bristol, with remote components to increase accessibility.
Participants will benefit from personal training sessions, practical workshops, and one-on-one meetings with leading venture capitalists and sector specialists.
Additional funding is available to support travel and accelerate bespoke business support, helping founders address specific challenges within their ventures. One completed participant will take part in an investor showcase and a national EngBio summit to gain further exposure and build strategic relationships.
Building on proven success
This third round builds on the success of the first two accelerator cohorts, launched in 2023. Up until now, the programme has supported over 35 early-stage engineering biology companies, with 17 new companies founded directly through the accelerator. These ventures cover a range of deep tech innovations, including:
- Phage technologies to combat antimicrobial resistance
- Engineered yeast for alternative medicines, flavourings, and dyes
- Cell-free enzyme systems for carbon capture
- Synthetic biology-based cancer therapeutics
- Microbial platforms for producing sustainable textiles and chemicals
Graduates of the programme have gone on to secure 20 Innovate UK feasibility grants and collectively raised over £6 million in follow-on funding. These companies currently support 89 jobs and have won nine startup awards, underlining the programme’s effectiveness in nurturing high-impact innovation.
Nationwide outreach and community building
In the lead-up to the accelerator, Science Creates will host a series of roadshow events throughout July. These events aim to connect potential applicants with the programme team and regional innovation networks, providing insight into the accelerator and the application process. The roadshows will take place in Bristol (10 July), Norwich (15 July), Nottingham (16 July), London (22 July), and Glasgow (23 July.
Future opportunities for engineering biology
With space for up to 24 participants, the accelerator offers a high-impact opportunity for founders working at the frontier of engineering biology. Participants will not only gain the skills, funding, and connections to scale their businesses, but also access to a network of like-minded entrepreneurs. Still, they will also join a growing nationwide network of like-minded innovators committed to using biology to solve real-world problems.
Applications are open now and will close on 31 July 2025. Interested individuals are encouraged to submit an expression of interest to be considered for this unique and high-potential opportunity.
