Science creates partners with leading VCs to support equity free accelerator programme

Launched in 2023 and funded by the UKRI Technology Missions Fund, Science Creates Accelerate announces a new partnership with globally recognised VCs to support a second cohort of deep tech entrepreneurs.

Science Creates Accelerate, launched last year with a UK-wide, equity-free Engineering Biology accelerator in partnership with government agency UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), today announces the second round of their flagship programme with the support of leading European and US VCs.

This unique partnership, where VCs take no equity and no Right of First Refusal in companies formed through the accelerator, seeks to find the best fit between companies and investors, intentionally providing deep tech founders and entrepreneurs with the best opportunity to succeed in their journey to improve the health of people and the planet.

Dr Harry Destecroix, Science Creates Founder and SCVC Managing Partner, said: “Our objective is to build an internationally recognised accelerator programme that gives the direct training and mentorship that is so important when transitioning from scientist to entrepreneur. Neither SCVC nor our partners take any equity or option to invest, which is intentional because we believe the opportunity is both enormous and largely untapped. For us, it's about getting the best VCs together and developing the best founders to forge great co-investments that will lead to building a new wave of multibillion dollar startups that could move the needle in terms of healthcare and sustainability.”

Amino Collective, Giant VC, Local Globe and Pillar VC are just a few of the firms who join SCVC, Science Creates’ official venture arm, in supporting Science Creates Accelerate. The first cohort to benefit from the VC partnerships will be the upcoming Engineering Biology Accelerator Programme.

Jon Dishotsky, Investment Partner at Giant VC, said: "I'm thrilled to embark on this journey with the Science Creates Accelerate team as we launch a groundbreaking Engineering Biology Accelerator. At Giant Ventures, we're passionate about backing purpose-driven entrepreneurs solving the world's biggest challenges. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission and offers an unparalleled opportunity to support and shape the future of biomedicine, clean growth, food systems, and environmental solutions. I look forward to contributing our expertise and getting an early glimpse into the entrepreneurial talents that will redefine our tomorrow. Let's make a meaningful impact together!"

Officially announced today (29 February), the next accelerator programme, funded through the UKRI Technology Missions Fund, provides deep-tech start-ups and innovators with the support needed to transform their ideas into ground-breaking inventions to advance the health of people and the planet. It is open to anyone with an existing Engineering Biology startup in its very early stages or anyone wishing to launch one. 

Dr Christopher Waite, graduate from the first accelerator programme, added: “Joining the Science Creates Accelerate programme has put me 9 months ahead in the development of my vision, venture, and founder skills. I might have given up by now if I were still alone on this journey. I can't recommend the programme highly enough for anyone who has an idea or some technology and would like to seriously explore founding an engineering biology company.”