Science Creates, a deep tech incubator space, has opened a second facility in Bristol in partnership with the University of Bristol and Research England. The 30,000 sq ft space will support science and engineering start-ups leveraging advanced technologies such as AI, synthetic biology, nano technologies and quantum computing to tackle issues such as cancer, vaccine development and climate change.
Science Creates grew out of the original science incubator, Unit DX, set up by the University of Bristol and Dr Harry Destecroix, founder of Zilyo, whose struggle to find lab space inspired the creation of the original unit. Ziylo, a University spin-out, developed a synthetic molecule that works by binding glucose in the bloodstream more effectively. The molecule is a product of 20 years' work at the Anthony Davis lab in the School of Chemistry, who had been working on the problem for many years. Ziylo was bought by global healthcare company Novo Nordisk in 2018 in a deal which could be worth around $800 million and could lead to the development of the world’s first glucose-responsive insulin and transform the treatment of diabetes.
Expanding Bristol’s deep tech eco-system
Bristol is fast becoming the UK capital of deep tech innovation and has attracted significant venture capital (VC) investment. In 2020, it was the third-highest city in the UK for VC investment, attracting more money than many of its European counterparts, with much of that pouring into deep tech companies like Graphcore and Vertical Aerospace.
Science Creates' new incubator space will support the growth of deep tech start-ups in Bristol, providing state-of-the-art laboratories, offices, and event space. Its partnership with the University of Bristol and Research England will enable scientists-turned-entrepreneurs to leverage advanced technologies to tackle significant challenges in healthcare, climate change, and other areas.
The new facility brings Science Creates' physical footprint to 45,000 sq ft, supporting up to 100 companies and creating up to 450 jobs. The company's first incubator is at full capacity and has established a reputation as a hub of science and engineering entrepreneurship in Bristol.
In addition to its incubators, Science Creates has also launched a dedicated venture capital (VC) fund, Science Creates Ventures, which has led numerous rounds and allows companies to raise the capital they need. The company is already incubating some of the most exciting deep tech companies in the UK, including Imophoron, CytoSeek, KETS Quantum Security, and QLM Technology. These companies have collectively raised £18.4 million in 2021.
World leading research and spin-out success
The University of Bristol has a long history of launching and nurturing new businesses through our sector leading incubators. We have extensive spin-out success across a wide range of disciplines, with our spinouts generating higher average returns on investment than those of any other UK university.
SETsquared Bristol is a University of Bristol-led tech incubator, supporting founders to grow their businesses and make an impact in the world. It has incubated over 300 companies to date, with over £626 million raised. It supports its companies with bespoke business support, skills and training, an expert network and community of startups and scaleups. It has been named ‘Hottest Accelerator in Europe’ at The Europas Awards and has three times been awarded ‘Global #1 University Business Incubator’ as part of the SETsquared Partnership of six centres.
