We’re delighted to invite you to BBSRC’s Sparking Innovation Conference, taking place on 21–22 April 2026 at the Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium, Leicester.
This flagship event will bring together 200 bioscience academics, innovators, founders, industry partners and investors to explore how bioscience innovation can translate into real-world impact. Across two days, the conference will feature a varied programme of talks, showcases, discussions and early-stage company pitches, with posters and networking throughout, creating space to share experience, connect ideas and help transform innovative bioscience research into real-world outcomes.
Highlights include:
• Keynote presentation from Will West, CEO of CellCentric
• Bioscience Innovation Showcase, featuring impactful academic projects funded through BBSRC
• Panel discussions exploring bioscience research from the lab to the market, sustainable models for translation, and what’s needed to build thriving innovation ecosystems
Demo Day
There is also the opportunity to pitch your bioscience start-up at our Demo Day event! We have space for five innovative companies to present to a panel of early-stage investors and gain valuable feedback and connections. To apply, submit a short summary of your company and innovation via the registration link. Places are limited and competitive. Applications close: 13 March 2026.
Flash presentations and poster sessions
You can also showcase your bioscience innovation through flash presentations and poster sessions, sharing what you’re working on and the impact it could have beyond the lab. If selected, you’ll present a poster and deliver a short 2-minute flash presentation. To apply, submit a short abstract outlining your research, what’s innovative about it, and why it matters. Early career researchers and technicians are particularly encouraged. Places are limited and competitive. Applications close: 13 March 2026.
Conference registration
Spaces are limited, so please register to attend the conference by 3 April 2026 to secure your place by clicking this link: Sparking Innovation 2026
