Innovative biotechnology businesses across the UK have the opportunity to access funding, expert guidance and commercial support through the DeepTech Catalyst Bio Programme.
Delivered by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), the programme is designed to help promising early-stage businesses develop their technologies and bring new products to market.
For eligible businesses, the programme offers not only financial support but also access to technical expertise, investors and valuable industry networks.
What’s Available?
Successful applicants will receive a package of support that includes:
- £50,000 in research and development (R&D) funding
- A £10,000 innovation voucher for additional R&D activities
- Technical and commercial mentoring
- Intellectual property guidance
- Access to investors and potential customers
- Opportunities to connect with sector specialists
- Access to facilities across UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) campuses
The programme is designed to help businesses move beyond product development and prepare for commercial growth.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, businesses must:
- Be registered in the UK.
- Be less than five years old.
- Be majority-owned by founders and employees.
- Have previously received support from BBSRC, UKRI, Innovate UK or a UKRI-supported accelerator programme.
The programme is specifically aimed at businesses with innovative bioscience technologies that have already progressed beyond the initial concept stage.
Eligible Projects
Applications should focus on products or services that:
- Are based on bioscience innovation.
- Fall within BBSRC’s research remit.
- Address a clear commercial opportunity.
- Are ready to move towards market development.
Eligible technologies should:
- Be biological in nature.
- Interact with biological systems.
- Solve biological challenges.
Projects focused solely on medical or clinical devices, therapeutics or diagnostics are not eligible under this programme.
Why Funding Matters for Start-Ups
For many early-stage businesses, securing funding can accelerate growth by enabling investment in:
- Product development.
- Research and innovation.
- Commercialisation.
- Intellectual property protection.
- Business development.
- Market expansion.
Access to mentoring and industry networks can be equally valuable, helping founders build relationships with investors, customers and strategic partners.
Application Deadline
Expressions of interest must be submitted by:
11:59pm on 16 August 2026
Businesses considering applying should allow sufficient time to review the eligibility criteria and prepare a strong application.
Final Thoughts
The DeepTech Catalyst Bio Programme offers an excellent opportunity for innovative UK biotech businesses looking to accelerate research, develop new products and prepare for commercial growth.
With funding, mentoring and access to industry expertise, the programme could provide valuable support for businesses ready to take the next step.
If you’re considering applying for grant funding or exploring opportunities to finance your business’s growth, we’d be happy to help you understand the financial implications and support your planning.
📞 01527 368220
📧 info@ojwassociates.co.uk
