Bruntwood SciTech Launches All New Life Science Accelerator At Alderley Park, Supporting Emerging Ventures And Driving Innovation In The North West

Bruntwood SciTech is announcing the launch of its new Life Science Accelerator programme at Alderley Park in a move aimed at supporting even greater innovation and economic growth in the region. 

The new Life Science Accelerator has been designed to cater to the unique needs of early stage life science companies from across the UK, offering comprehensive support and specialist facilities to fuel their growth and development. Alderley Park, owned and operated by Bruntwood SciTech – a joint venture between Bruntwood, Legal & General and Greater Manchester Pension Fund – is already home to over 250 companies working within science and technology and is well equipped with its highly specialist infrastructure, dedicated growth support, and long-established community as the hub for this initiative. 

Successful applicants will receive personalised support aimed at accelerating their idea from lab through to commercialisation. The six-month programme will combine specialist laboratory incubation support and business model development, with expertise provided by industry leaders from Bruntwood SciTech partners including Triple Chasm, ThermoFisher Scientific, Marks & Clerk, Pharmalytical Services, Mercia Ventures and Praetura Group, to name a few. The programme’s limited intake of up to ten early-stage life science venture companies will ensure dedicated, personalised attention, with each recipient receiving support valued at approximately £60,000.

Across the six months, participating biotech entrepreneurs will receive complimentary laboratory access, supplemented by access to pay-per-use scientific equipment via the Open Access Lab, which equates to over £20,000 worth of laboratory support and kit access. Additionally, participants will benefit from bespoke business support delivered by Triple Chasm, a leading expert in sustainable commercialisation of science and technology-enabled innovation. The Triple Chasm Model®  will provide invaluable guidance to budding life science companies, providing a range of tools and programmes underpinned by data from more than 3,000 products being taken to markets globally. The Life Science Accelerator will involve working with their venture teams to develop comprehensive commercialisation plans for areas including market space definition, proposition framing, customer definition, distribution, marketing and sales, IP management, and funding.

Moreover, utilisation support for laboratory equipment courtesy of Pharmalytical Services will be provided as part of the funded programme. Recipients will also receive £10,000 in flexible financial support, empowering them to invest in essential laboratory supplies or professional advice.

The project is being funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, aligning with Bruntwood SciTech’s commitment to driving growth and knowledge sharing in the region. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund has committed £2.6 billion to local investment by March 2025 and is a cornerstone of the government’s Levelling Up agenda. With a focus on fostering community pride, enhancing life opportunities, and supporting local businesses, this initiative aims to empower early-stage life science companies across the UK.

Dr Kath Mackay, Chief Scientific Officer at Bruntwood SciTech - the UK’s largest provider of office, lab, scientific services and specialist support for the science, tech and innovation sectors, said: “The new Life Science Accelerator programme truly embodies our dedication to supporting early-stage life science companies across the UK by providing them with the necessary resources and guidance to thrive. Our mission is to empower these companies to bring their innovative ideas to fruition, ultimately contributing to the advancement of the life sciences sector and the broader economy.

“Launching this programme at Alderley Park allows participants to tap into the vibrant ecosystem of scientific companies and foster valuable networking opportunities, enriching the community and driving further collaboration.”

Home to over 250 science and technology businesses, the campus offers state-of-the-art laboratory and office spaces situated in 400 acres of parkland; and facilitates collaboration with universities and the NHS through Bruntwood SciTech’s extensive partner network, providing a supportive ecosystem for businesses at all growth stages - from seed through to equity and from start-up to mature, established players.

The launch of the new Life Science Accelerator follows a strong 2023 for R&D funding at Alderley Park, with figures released earlier in 2024 showing that businesses at the Park had secured nearly £50 million in new R&D-linked funding over the past year - testament to the campus’ support for groundbreaking research. 

The Life Science Accelerator will begin with an in-person two day bootcamp at Alderley Park on 3rd and 4th July 2024, with an optional online workshop to be held on 1st July 2024. 

For more information about the Life Science Accelerator programme and to apply, please visit Bruntwood SciTech’s website at https://bruntwood.co.uk/scitech/business-support/programmes/