The Bristol incubator has opened a second space as it looks to increase its support for companies tackling challenges such as climate change.
Science Creates, the UK-based deep tech incubator and fund focused on spinouts and startups, opened a second location in cooperation with University of Bristol and Research England today.
The new location is a 30,000 square feet facility consisting of labs, offices and events space – twice the size of the original incubator which is at full capacity.
It will aim to house deep tech companies working on technologies such as artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, nanotech and quantum computing in areas such as cancer treatment, vaccine development and climate change.
The launch of a second incubator follows the creation of a dedicated venture capital fund, Science Creates Ventures, which has backed companies such as cell therapy developer CytoSeek.
Science Creates is the brainchild of Harry Destecroix, who evolved the concept from incubators Unit DX and Unit DY after selling his own spinout, diabetes treatment developer Ziylo, to pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk for potentially $800m in 2018.
Destecroix said: “Boston might be the powerhouse for deep tech, but we believe Bristol will also become famous for being a world-class ecosystem that supports scientists and engineers in commercialising ground-breaking innovations.
“The city is home to creative, innovative trendsetters and it has world-class research universities and a strong sense of community. But we are only just getting started. Bristol continues to grow as a hub for helping scientists take their discoveries off the shelf and into the real world. Our strength lies in deep tech – an area that is growing more than twice as fast as any other tech sector.
“This is where Science Creates comes in. We have two purpose-built incubators, a venture capital firm funding early-stage start-ups, and a network of mentors and advisors with specific, relevant experience – all of which is vital for business development and innovation.”
Prof Philip Taylor, pro vice-chancellor of research and enterprise at University of Bristol, added: “This new purpose-built incubator is a tremendous boost for the region. It is also testament to the remarkable mix of scientific talent, technological innovation and entrepreneurial growth we have in the city, underpinned by our Science Creates partners.
“As we face an unprecedented amount of global health and environmental challenges, it brings into sharp focus the importance of deep-tech incubators that can accelerate progress in the lab to deliver solutions to problems which have the potential to affect us all.”
Thierry Heles
Thierry Heles is editor-at-large of Global University Venturing and Global Corporate Venturing, and host of the Beyond the Breakthrough podcast.
