The BBSRC-STFC DeepTech Catalyst Bio (DTC Bio) is a business incubator programme designed to support early-stage biotechnology start-ups in achieving their commercial potential.
DTC Bio provides:
DTC Bio is open to UK-registered companies under five years old that are majority-owned by founders and employees and that have one or more of the following:
The technology underpinning the products or services being carried forward by the company must be within BBSRC remit.
The company must be able to demonstrate that they are beyond the concept stage of product development or market penetration, or both.
The technology underpinning the products or services developed by the company must be building on a previous support from BBSRC, UKRI or UKRI-supported accelerator or pre-incubation programme. The research must be taking forward a bioscience innovation to address a clear market opportunity.
The technology must be either:
We will not accept applications based on medical or clinical devices and therapeutics being developed solely for a specific end-point clinical utility, including diagnostics.
We strongly advise you to contact us if you are unsure whether your application fits the scope of the DTC Bio programme.
The DTC Bio will provide access to a number of UKRI campuses:
Please note that the DTC Bio programme was formerly called the BBSRC-STFC Biotechnology Business Incubation Centre (Bio BIC).
Complete the DTC Bio expression of interest application form.
Companies are strongly encouraged to submit their expressions of interest (EOIs) as early as possible, and no later than 23:59 on 16 August 2026. Each company may submit only one EOI.
Following approval of the EOI, successful applicants will be invited to submit a full application by 14 September 2026 and will be provided with the application template.
All applications will go through a competitive selection process.
Submissions will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
EOIs will be reviewed in phases according to the following deadlines:
Following approval of the EOI, successful applicants will be invited to submit a full application by 14 September 2026 and will be provided with the application template.
Applicants may request feedback on draft applications prior to the final application deadline, 14 September 2026. Early submission is strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to incorporate feedback and strengthen the final application.
Successful applicants will be invited to present at the in-person evaluation board taking place on 20 to 22 October.
We will hold a webinar on Thursday 18 June 2026 at 14.00.
This will provide more information about the programme and offer a chance to ask questions.
