Innovate UK Microbials (Microbiome, Biofilms & Phage) Accelerator Programme

Funded by Innovate UK as part of the Biomedical Catalyst the Accelerator is co-led by LYVA Labs and Bionow, in collaboration with CPI, iiCON, The Innovation Agency and the University of Liverpool, the programme consists of a unique package of business support and access to clinical/technical advice at no cost to the company. 

Applications to the programme close at midday on 6th June 2023. The programme will include a 'pre-accelerator' for ~20 entrepreneurs who will receive all pre-accelerator modules via online sessions. At application stage 8-10 of these will also be selected for the full Accelerator programme and receive an additional bespoke programme of support including to draft a 'mock' Biomedical Catalyst grant application to prepare them to apply to a closed Biomedical Catalyst Feasibility call in November 2023. 

To be eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK-based SME, according to Innovate UK definitions, or an academic in the early stages of forming an SME. Note the company must be incorporated with a bank account by the end of the Accelerator which is 31st October 2023.
• Have an innovative idea to develop a novel product, technology, or process which is in scope of the “Microbials” area (as defined below) and that directly impacts upon a clear evidenced and sizeable healthcare challenge.
• Be developing a technology, product, process or service with a clear and obvious route to market that will lead to a commercial opportunity.

Microbials scope: Technologies, products, processes, and services which have the potential to impact on microbial communities or biofilms related to health, including new technologies to protect beneficial microbiomes or to control harmful microbial communities or biofilms. Across Health and Life Sciences, Microbial technologies are relevant to a broad range of health sectors and allow prevention or proactive management of health and chronic conditions. Novel products could:

• Be intended for delivery through Primary Care, the Tertiary Health Service or through supply to global healthcare companies or via the consumer market.
• Establish tailored treatments that change an underlying disease or condition.
• Be implemented at the level of the individual, organisation or community.

These technologies, products, processes, or services may relate, but are not limited, to microbiomes, biofilms, new non-traditional modalities for prevention, reduction of transmission or treatment of microbial infections or contaminants, phage-based interventions or live biotherapeutic products.

Please note that the development of new antibiotics to combat AMR and microbial diagnostics are out of scope of this programme.

Notes for applicants:
The application form is available here.  Any information provided in this application must be non-confidential. By completing and submitting the application you agree to the Terms and Conditions as detailed on the application form. All applications must be sent to [email protected] with the subject line of ‘Innovate UK Microbials Accelerator Application’. The deadline for submission is midday on 6th June 2023.

All information provided will be treated in confidence and only distributed for use in the programme. The process will be competitive, and the decision of the panel will be by majority and is final.