Bruntwood SciTech launches UK-wide support network for life sciences sector

Ecosystem of industry mentors and corporate partners, including KPMG and Deloitte, to accelerate the potential of growing life sciences businesses

Bruntwood SciTech - the 50:50 joint venture between Bruntwood and Legal and General - has launched a nationwide initiative to connect experienced mentors, advisors and corporate partners with high-growth businesses in the UK life sciences sector.

The Biospheric Network will support customers within Bruntwood SciTech’s network of more than 500 businesses, based across innovation districts in cities including Manchester, Birmingham, Cambridge and Cheshire’s Alderley Park.

As the UK’s leading property provider dedicated to the growth of the science and technology sector, Bruntwood SciTech has launched the network which will see established entrepreneurs and senior executives provide funded growth-oriented support - including business consultancy, deep sector-specialised networking, and access to finance - to some of the most promising businesses in the life science sector.

The initiative's first cohort for 2023 is made up of 15 corporate partners and 21 mentors, with the total number of advisors and mentors expected to reach 20 and 30 respectively by 2024 - at which point the network will be maintained at 50 participants.

Corporate partners already signed up to the initiative include: Acceleris KPMG, Brabners, Coulter Partners, Deloitte, Granted Consultancy, Leaman Life Sciences, Marks & Clerk, Oyster Venture Partners, Pinsent Masons, Praetura Ventures, RSM, Shore Capital, Singular Talent, SP Angel, Ward Hadaway.

The Biospheric Network will add to the existing package of tailored support and collaboration opportunities offered to customers across Bruntwood SciTech’s UK campuses; including funded seminars, entrepreneurship training, investor readiness support, access to accelerator programmes, access to highly skilled STEM talent, scale up support and venture finance.

Dr Kath Mackay, Director of Life Sciences at Bruntwood SciTech, commented: “Our customers already enjoy access to a wide range of specialist life science support services to help them grow, but the Biospheric Network takes that concept of a supportive ecosystem even further.

“We have a deep understanding of life science businesses and the challenges that entrepreneurs face. The Biospheric Network is a collaborative approach that has huge potential in its ability to support innovative, high growth businesses and individuals right across the sector in a structured, meaningful way that will ensure our regional hubs of excellence continue to thrive and businesses grow. We’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact that this first cohort leads to - and to welcoming more mentors and corporate partners in the months ahead.”