BBSRC-STFC DeepTech Catalyst Bio 2026

- Funders: Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) - Funding type: Grant, Other - Opening date: 2026-05-11 - Closing date: 2026-09-14

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The BBSRC-STFC DeepTech Catalyst Bio (DTC Bio) is a business incubator programme designed to support early-stage biotechnology start-ups in achieving their commercial potential.

DTC Bio provides:

- £50,000 of R&D funding

- £10,000 innovation voucher for R&D activity

- technical, commercial, business and intellectual property support

- networking opportunities and introductions to investors, customers, and key sector stakeholders

- access to a number of UKRI campuses

Who can apply

DTC Bio is open to UK-registered companies under five years old that are majority-owned by founders and employees and that have one or more of the following:

- received a Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) or other UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) grant to support the research underpinning the product or service

- received an Innovate UK or other UKRI commercialisation grant to take forward a bioscience innovation to address a market opportunity

- received support from UKRI-supported accelerator or pre-incubation programme

The technology underpinning the products or services being carried forward by the company must be within BBSRC remit.

The company must be able to demonstrate that they are beyond the concept stage of product development or market penetration, or both.

What we're looking for

The technology underpinning the products or services developed by the company must be building on a previous support from BBSRC, UKRI or UKRI-supported accelerator or pre-incubation programme. The research must be taking forward a bioscience innovation to address a clear market opportunity.

The technology must be either:

- biological in nature

- interact with a biological entity

- involve a biological process

- address a biological challenge

We will not accept applications based on medical or clinical devices and therapeutics being developed solely for a specific end-point clinical utility, including diagnostics.

We strongly advise you to contact us if you are unsure whether your application fits the scope of the DTC Bio programme.

The DTC Bio will provide access to a number of UKRI campuses:

- Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Sci-Tech Daresbury campus

- BBSRC campuses of Rothamsted Enterprises and AberInnovation

- additional specialist support available from The Pirbright Institute

Please note that the DTC Bio programme was formerly called the BBSRC-STFC Biotechnology Business Incubation Centre (Bio BIC).

How to apply

To apply

Complete the DTC Bio expression of interest application form.

Deadlines

Companies are strongly encouraged to submit their expressions of interest (EOIs) as early as possible, and no later than 11:59pm on 16 August 2026. Each company may submit only one EOI.

Following approval of the EOI, successful applicants will be invited to submit a full application by 14 September 2026 and will be provided with the application template.

How we will assess your application

Assessment process

All applications will go through a competitive selection process.

Submissions will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

EOIs will be reviewed in phases according to the following deadlines:

- tranche one: 11:59pm on 26 June 2026

- tranche two: 11:59pm on 17 July 2026

- tranche three (final): 11:59pm on 16 August 2026

Following approval of the EOI, successful applicants will be invited to submit a full application by 14 September 2026 and will be provided with the application template.

Feedback

Applicants may request feedback on draft applications prior to the final application deadline, 14 September 2026. Early submission is strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to incorporate feedback and strengthen the final application.

Interviews

Successful applicants will be invited to present at the in-person evaluation board taking place on 20 to 22 October.

Additional info

Webinar for potential applicants

We will hold a webinar on Thursday 18 June 2026 at 14.00.

This will provide more information about the programme and offer a chance to ask questions.

Register for the webinar.