Pioneer and AbbVie team up on a Golden Ticket to accelerate game-changing innovations in human health
Pioneer Group, a specialist in life science infrastructure and venture building, has once again teamed up with global biopharmaceutical company AbbVie to launch a Golden Ticket programme designed to accelerate companies developing novel, transformational therapies and innovations for immunology, oncology, neurology, eye care, aesthetics, or other specialities including obesity, GI and hepatology.
The 2025 Golden Ticket Programme offers the opportunity for an early-stage biotech company to secure one year of funding for lab space, a £50,000 grant, mentorship and scientific expertise to support its growth and development.
Pioneer and AbbVie previously joined forces on a 2022 Golden Ticket programme which saw NanoSyrinx, a synthetic biology company developing nanosyringes as a novel platform for targeted intracellular delivery of biologic therapeutics, crowned the winner. In September 2024, the company successfully closed a £10 million funding round to support further advancement of its technology platform.
This year, AbbVie and Pioneer Group want to hear from trailblazing science and technology founders as well as innovators from established businesses who are creating game-changing approaches in immunology, oncology, neurology, eye care, aesthetics, or other specialities including obesity, GI and hepatology. Specifically, they may be developing therapeutic platform technologies, including gene therapy, novel cell therapy, gene editing, or novel drug-discovery or platform technologies. Exclusions include diagnostics, devices, research tools, and healthcare services/IT.
The winning company will unlock the following opportunities:
• £50,000 in grant funding from AbbVie
• 12-months’ rent-free incubation space at one of Pioneer’s state-of-the-art incubators
• Exclusive access to the Pioneer ecosystem – an inspiring community dedicated to advancing visionary ventures
• Tailored support from Pioneer’s Venture Development and Investment teams
• Specialist business coaching from the Pioneer Expert Network
• Access to site events and socials, with opportunities to learn from industry leaders and expand the company’s network within the broader ecosystem
Ayokunmi Ajetunmobi, Head of Ventures at Pioneer, said: “We are delighted to be joining forces with AbbVie on another exciting opportunity for early stage biotechs. The Golden Ticket programme has been created to support innovative companies in their efforts to accelerate the development of new therapies to improve human health. The winning company will directly benefit from AbbVie’s scientific expertise - built on decades of experience delivering innovative medicines to patients - as well as funding, specialist support, and incubation space designed to propel their idea. We look forward to reviewing the applications and helping to drive forward an innovation that could be transformational to human health.”
All applications will be reviewed by the AbbVie and Pioneer Group selection committee, with shortlisted candidates invited to a virtual pitching event. The winner will be announced during the Jefferies London Healthcare Conference from 18 to 20 November 2025. The successful candidate will then be invited to move in to their chosen incubator space from January 2026.
Applications are now open and close on 17 October 2025.
