• Applications open for Discovery Park’s ‘Discovery Spark’ programme 
• Prize package worth over £50,000, including free lab or office space for one year at Discovery Park and a package of support from a number of specialist partners.
• Deadline for initial applications closes midnight on 24th September 2024 

Leading science and innovation campus, Discovery Park, in Sandwich, Kent has launched applications for the third cohort of its immersive business growth competition, ‘Discovery Spark’. 

The programme equips early stage life science and technology businesses with the skills and tools to lay healthy foundations in their business, refine their commercial strategy and achieve investor readiness to enable future success and growth.  In addition, one applicant will secure a package of space and support worth over £50,000,

The free, six-week programme helps early-stage companies grow by leveraging  Discovery Park’s top facilities, people and networks. Candidates gain valuable insights from industry experts and successful founder ambassadors, exchange experiences with fellow founders, and build meaningful connections.

Delivered across seven immersive in-person sessions at Discovery Park, the programme  covers essential topics alongside mentoring, networking and group learning. Topics include intellectual property, startup legalities, branding, financial planning, ESG, data security, and regulatory compliance. The experience then culminates in a competitive pitch day to showcase the skills gained to investors. 

Presentations will be scored with the winning business receiving a prize package worth over £50,000, including one year of free lab or office space at state-of-the-art Discovery Park, plus wrap-around business support and dedicated mentoring. 

Previous winners of Discovery Spark include BugBiome which harnesses the power of skin microbiome to create effective, long-lasting pest repellents, and most recently, Canterbury menopause care provider Minter Hormone Health. 

Discovery Park’s Head of Innovation, Renos Savva, who leads the Discovery Spark programme, said: “We are proud of what we have created with Discovery Spark, which we believe to be a truly educational and inspiring programme. Now in its third phase we’ve been encouraged by the innovation, creativity and talent of budding UK businesses in our sector who have been part of the programme to date. It’s fantastic to be able to mentor these individuals and act as a springboard for future growth. We can’t wait to welcome the next  group of candidates.” 

Mayer Schreiber, CEO at Discovery Park, added: “With a thriving incubator community, supportive network and room to grow, Discovery Park is a nurturing environment to start and scale a business. Scientists have amazing ideas and we can offer the lab space, resources and business mentoring to take ideas to the next level.  Discovery Spark was created to help people develop a growth mindset and refine their commercial strategy so even without securing the final prize pot, the experience and skills gained throughout the programme are invaluable. It’s a privilege to play a part in supporting the future of science leaders.” 

Discovery Spark is open to all UK based early-stage life science and tech companies, with demonstrated proof of concept and the freedom to operate. Applicants must register their interest before the closing deadline of 24th September. 

For more details of the programme and to apply for the latest cohort visit Discovery Spark.