News

Science Creates launches third engineering biology accelerator

Applications are open to join the third cohort of our UKRI-funded flagship programme.

Aida de Heras

01 Jul 2025 — 3 min read

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, with participants paid for their time, which allows 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 both existing UK-registered EngBio startups in very early stages as well as individuals in a position to launch one, the programme will allow participants to develop EngBio ventures with core technologies applicable to biomedicine, environmental solutions, food systems or clean growth.

What the programme offers

A stipend as part of the full-time programme, with further funding available to unlock bespoke business support and support travel costs
A flexible, hybrid model with training 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, as well as 1:1s with Deep Tech investors, experts and mentors, critical to a startup's journey
Continued support for graduates, including post-graduation investor showcases and EngBio summit
Network exposure, benefiting from access to Science Creates' extensive ecosystem of strategic partners, Deep Tech founders and expert accelerator delivery partners
Support from our partnerships with globally leading VCs — a unique partnership where VCs share insight and provide training with no equity taken or Right of First Refusal during the accelerator, seeking to find the best fit between companies and investors

Acceleration with impact

Our third launch builds upon the impact and successful track-record of the first two accelerator cohorts.

Since its inception in 2023, our EngBio 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.

Collectively, accelerator graduate companies from cohorts 1 and 2 have raised over £6m in funding, support 89 jobs and have won 9 startup awards.

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 which 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.

Dr Sahan Liyanagedera, Co-Founder and CTO of BioPhoundry and previous graduate from the accelerator programme, said:

“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!”

Finding out more

Our EngBio Accelerator Roadshows will take place during the month of July across the UK to provide more information about the programme, showcase regional research commercialisation services and connect to Science Creates’ growing nationwide network of EngBio innovators.

Roadshow events calendar