Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)’s first DeepTech Catalyst Demo Day in London spotlighted some of the UK’s most promising early-stage deep-tech companies.
With more than 30 investors in attendance, the event showcased start-ups developing technologies that could support the UK’s competitiveness in areas such as:
- quantum
- artificial intelligence (AI)
- engineering
- biology
- space
- health
Through targeted pitches and meetings with investors, the day created opportunities for new partnerships that could accelerate the commercialisation of these technologies.
The DeepTech Catalyst is helping to deliver UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) refreshed mission to advance knowledge, improve lives and drive growth.
Strengthening national capability and economic value
The event reflects STFC’s long-term commitment and track record in helping innovators turn bright ideas and cutting -edge research into successful businesses.
Since opening its first business incubation centre in 2011, STFC has grown the DeepTech Catalyst into a national network that supports fledgling businesses tackling issues from climate resilience to early disease detection.
Across its programmes, STFC’s DeepTech Catalyst has supported more than 230 start-ups, which have since:
- secured over £285 million in private investment
- created 1,100 high-skilled jobs
- achieved a 95% survival rate
- delivered £25 in economic return for every £1 invested by STFC
Enabling innovations that improve lives
By combining world-leading research facilities with specialist technical expertise and commercial guidance, STFC helps early-stage companies remove risk from development and scale up with confidence.
This support contributes to the UK’s growth ambitions, building capability, attracting investment, and ensuring that breakthrough UK tech businesses can succeed in global markets.
Celebrating innovation excellence
During the event, two businesses were recognised for their progress and potential.
Orchid Solar won the ‘Seed to Success Award’, and £10,000 in research and development vouchers, for its next generation solar power technology that can deliver clean energy, day and night.
Ocuwell won the ‘Scale-Up Excellence Award’ and £20,000 in research and development vouchers, for advancing affordable, portable eye-care diagnostics to widen access to rapid assessment worldwide.
Meaningful societal benefits
Paul Vernon, Executive Director of Business and Innovation at STFC, said:
The UK excels at scientific discovery, but real impact comes when those discoveries become technologies people can use and benefit from.
Through STFC’s DeepTech Catalyst, we’re helping early-stage businesses access the expertise, infrastructure and investment they need to scale and compete globally.
The businesses showcased today are developing solutions that can transform industries and deliver meaningful benefits for society.
Bringing investors and innovators together in this way shows the strength of the UK’s deep-tech ecosystem, and its potential for even greater impact.
Read more about the STFC DeepTech Catalyst and its programmes.