Funding and support for biotech start-ups
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) DeepTech Catalyst Bio programme is open for applications. It supports early-stage biotechnology businesses to develop products and reach market.
Successful applicants receive
- £50,000 in research and development (R&D) funding
- a £10,000 innovation voucher for R&D activity
- technical, commercial, business and intellectual property support
- access to investors, customers and sector networks
- use of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) campuses
Who can apply
You can apply if your business
- is UK-registered and less than five years old
- is majority-owned by founders and employees
- has previously received support from BBSRC, UKRI, Innovate UK, or a UKRI-supported accelerator
Your product or service must
- be based on bioscience innovation within BBSRC’s remit
- be beyond the concept stage
- address a clear market opportunity
Eligible technologies must be biological in nature, interact with biological systems, or address a biological challenge. Applications focused solely on medical or clinical devices, therapeutics or diagnostics are not eligible.
How to apply
Businesses interested in applying can find out more on the UKRI website.
The deadline for expressions of interest is 1159pm on 16 August 2026.
If your EOI is successful, you will be invited to submit a full application by 14 September 2026.
First published 29 June 2026
