A launchpad for engineering biology
Today, Science Creates and UKRI announce the third round of their flagship UK-wide engineering biology (EngBio) accelerator programme.
The equity-free programme is fully funded by the Technology Missions Fund, with participants paid for their time, allowing them to fully focus on their venture.
The accelerator also leverages support from a network of globally leading venture capital (VC) firms and qualified deep tech experts.
Welcoming anyone with an existing UK EngBio startup
The programme welcomes applications from anyone with an existing UK-registered EngBio startup in its very early stages or individuals in a position to launch one.
The EngBio technology at the core of the venture should be applicable to one or more of the following application areas:
- biomedicine
- environmental solutions
- food systems
- clean growth
The hybrid programme will take place at Science Creates’ Old Market Incubator in Bristol, as well as remotely, over nine weeks starting on 20 October 2025.
Access to a variety of training and workshops
Participants will have access to a variety of training and workshops, as well as one-to-one meetings with deep tech investors, experts and mentors, critical to a startup’s journey.
Candidates are paid a stipend as part of the full-time programme, with further funding available to unlock bespoke business support and support travel costs.
An investor showcase and EngBio summit will take place post-programme, providing network exposure and continued support for cohort three graduates as they emerge from the accelerator.
Acceleration with impact
The launch builds upon the impact and successful track-record of the first two accelerator cohorts.
Since its inception in 2023, the accelerator has trained 43 entrepreneurial scientists and supported over 35 early-stage EngBio companies across the UK, with 17 of these formed as a result of the programme.
These companies focused on exciting deep tech solutions such as:
- phage technologies to combat antimicrobial resistance in humans and crops
- engineering yeast to produce alternative food flavourings, medicines or dyes
- cell-free systems for enzyme-based carbon capture and storage
- novel targeted cancer therapeutics enabled by synthetic biology
- green microbial factories that produce sustainable textiles and chemicals
The first two cohorts went on to unlock feasibility funding from UKRI for their startups post-programme, with 20 Innovate UK feasibility grants awarded to further de-risk their early-stage technologies.
Collectively, accelerator graduate companies from cohorts one and two have raised over £6 million in funding, support 89 jobs and have won nine startup awards.
Partnering with deep tech experts
The upcoming EngBio accelerator cohort will benefit from access to Science Creates’ extensive network of strategic partners, deep tech founders and expert accelerator delivery partners.
The programme is also supported by a partnership with a network of globally leading VC firms.
This unique partnership, where VCs share insight and provide training with no equity taken or Right of First Refusal during the accelerator, seeks to find the best fit between companies and investors.
Perfect environment for aspirational founders
Dr Sahan Liyanagedera, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of BioPhoundry and previous graduate from the accelerator programme, added:
The Science Creates Accelerator was instrumental in helping me secure investment for our company.
The high quality workshops, exceptional pool of experienced delivery partners and the amazing programme team create the perfect environment for aspirational founders to thrive!
Applications open
Those interested in finding out more about how the programme works can join the Accelerator Roadshows taking place throughout July in cities across the UK, including:
- Bristol, 10 July
- Norwich, 15 July
- Nottingham, 16 July
- London, 22 July
- Glasgow, 23 July
The event series will provide further information on the programme, showcase regional research commercialisation services and connect to Science Creates’ growing nationwide network of EngBio innovators.
There are up to 24 places available on the accelerator programme, which will run between 20 October to 18 December 2025.
Expression of interest applications are open now and close on 31 July 2025.
Further information
About Science Creates
Founded in 2015 by exited entrepreneurs, Science Creates is a deep tech
ecosystem that enables scientists and engineers to turn their groundbreaking
discoveries into disruptive businesses that can revolutionise the health of
people and the planet.
It supports its startup community with:
- specialised lab space
- expert training and mentoring
- a network of partner organisations
- access to investment opportunities
Through its independent charity and public events, it inspires the next
generation of scientists and entrepreneurs.
Find more information on Science Creates.
About UKRI Technology Missions Fund
The UKRI Technology Missions Fund is designed to exploit the UK’s global leadership in transformative technologies to help solve specific problems, while also helping cement that leading position.
Overall, UKRI is investing £250 million in Technology Missions to enable new and existing capabilities and capacity in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and engineering biology in the years 2023 to 2025 and beyond.