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Funded Programmes

Our long-term, specialist programmes fund and accelerate the commercialisation of deep tech innovations, helping research-active entrepreneurs unlock their true potential.

Our team of expert problem-solvers provide tailored support for every business, helping to tackle complex challenges and turning obstacles into opportunities. And with funded and facilitated access to specialist labs, unique research facilities, technical expertise and funding and investment opportunities, we offer a truly distinctive environment for innovation and growth.

Aerial view of Daresbury Laboratory, showing the campus surrounded by trees and fields.

Our impact

£25

return to the UK economy for every £1 invested

220

deep tech startups supported

1,000+

high-value jobs created

£650M+

in startup value, equivalent to a FTSE 250 company

Our programmes

DeepTech Catalyst Bio

The DeepTech Catalyst Bio (formerly known as the Bio BIC) is designed to support early-stage biotechnology companies achieve their commercial potential.

A collaboration between the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), the DeepTech Catalyst Bio has the expertise and networks needed to enable growth and de-risk the route to market.

The programme provides £50k of R&D funding, a £10k innovation voucher for R&D activity, and technical, commercial and IP support to help start-ups de-risk their technologies and get to market faster.

Learn more about DeepTech Catalyst Bio

DeepTech Catalyst Health

The DeepTech Catalyst Health (formerly known as the Health BIC) is an incubator programme for early-stage start-ups who are developing advanced health technologies, e.g., solutions for human infectious diseases, molecular and cellular medicines, medical device hardware and software, and mobile medical applications.

The programme, delivered by STFC in partnership with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, provides £50k of R&D funding, a £10k innovation voucher for R&D activity, and technical, commercial and IP support to help start-ups de-risk their technologies and get to market faster.

Learn more about DeepTech Catalyst Health

DeepTech Catalyst Quantum

The DeepTech Catalyst Quantum (formerly known as the QuBIC) is designed to support early-stage quantum technology companies achieve their commercial potential by de-risking their route to market. It enables early-stage companies to develop new products or services based on quantum technologies (including computing, imaging, sensing, networks, cryptography, simulation, etc.).

The programme provides £50k of R&D funding, a £10k innovation voucher for R&D activity, and technical, commercial and IP support to help start-ups de-risk their technologies and get to market faster.

Learn more about DeepTech Catalyst Quantum

ESA BIC UK

The ESA Business Incubation Centre United Kingdom (ESA BIC UK) provides start-ups with technical expertise and facilities, business support, networking, office space and funding needed to overcome innovation challenges and accelerate business growth.

Part of ESA’s thriving Europe-wide network of Business Incubation Centres, the ESA BIC UK provides a unique environment perfectly engineered to accelerate innovation and unlock commercial potential. Each year we support start-ups working in sectors including aerospace, healthcare, energy, agriculture and digital technology.

Learn more about ESA BIC UK

ESA Phi-Lab UK

The ESA Phi-Lab UK provides the funding and support to enable the commercialisation of innovative technologies that promote space sustainability and sustainability on earth.  Access support from world-leading technical and scientific expertise to business coaching and commercialisation.

Learn more about ESA Phi-Lab UK