NCC and Science Creates unite to fast-track Deep Tech innovation

The new strategic partnership between Science Creates and NCC will support the ambitions of the UK's new Industrial Strategy by enabling Deep Tech startups to scale world-class research into globally competitive companies.

Science Creates today announces a new strategic partnership with NCC to accelerate and scale the impact of the Deep Tech ecosystem at the regional and national level.

NCC helps businesses of all sizes bridge the gap between cutting-edge innovation and industrial application. By combining NCC's capabilities in industrial innovation and scaling with Science Creates' track record of supporting Deep Tech startups with lab space, training and investment, the two organisations will create an integrated ecosystem that will lead to accelerated industrial transformation. 

“We are excited to deepen our relationship with Science Creates and build a truly connected innovation ecosystem,” said Richard Oldfield, CEO of NCC. “Together, we can create the environment that ambitious Deep Tech companies need to grow, connect them with industrial customers, and bring transformative technologies to market.”

The UK is home to world-leading research in AI, engineering biology and advanced materials. At their intersections lie even greater opportunities to develop platform technologies for personalised healthcare, tackling material scarcity, creating sustainable materials, accelerating advanced manufacturing processes and advancing future food production. 

As the new Industrial Strategy sets an ambition for the UK to lead globally in these sectors, this partnership directly supports those goals by connecting scientific breakthroughs with the industrial capability, infrastructure and investment needed to turn them into world-changing businesses.

Together, Science Creates and NCC will:

• Support rapid scale-up of Deep Tech ventures by linking them with industry leaders, investors, and state-of-the-art facilities.
• Launch collaborative R&D projects, including pioneering uses of AI and engineering biology, to drive new product and process innovations.
• Establish co-located spaces, providing companies with exposure to both commercial and defence-sector opportunities.
• Build a Deep Tech network for Deep Tech founders and C-suite members, who will be supported by both organisations through tailored events, forums and other community support.

This strategic partnership will both embed and scale the region’s Deep Tech cluster and deliver impact nationally — supporting the commercialisation of top-tier research, boosting regional innovation, and strengthening the UK’s position in the Industrial Strategy’s priority sectors.

Dr Harry Destecroix MBE, Founder of Science Creates, said: “The new Industrial Strategy makes clear that the UK must do more to scale world-class science into globally competitive companies. By working with NCC, we are equipping Deep Tech founders with the industrial pathways, infrastructure and investment they need to succeed, and ensuring the South West plays a leading role in delivering national impact.”

Case study: Deep Tech impact in action

Kelpi, a startup tackling the global plastic problem, is creating seaweed-based alternatives to replace fossil fuel-based plastic packaging. Early in its journey, the team moved into the Science Creates Old Market incubator, and SCVC — Science Creates’ venture capital arm — led Kelpi’s £3m seed round in 2022. Later, Kelpi engaged with the NCC through the Made Smarter programme, gaining expert sessions that helped refine their roadmap, identify inefficiencies and opportunities, and address knowledge gaps. The structured support, combined with entrepreneurial guidance from Science Creates, has enabled Kelpi to accelerate material development timelines and scale its sustainable packaging innovation.