Discovery Spark Cohort 8 Is Now Open for Applications: Hear from the previous cohort on what to expect
Discovery Spark is a free business growth programme designed to connect visionary founders with a dynamic network of peers and mentors. Over six in-person session content days throughout November, you’ll sharpen your ability to communicate with diverse stakeholders, refine your commercial strategy and build strong foundations to attract investment.
We’re now taking interest in applications for our 8th cohort, seeking UK startups and SMEs with innovative ideas. Whether you’re developing breakthrough biotech, next-generation materials, climate technology, or anything in between, we want to hear from you.
What Discovery Spark has enabled for Founders in Cohort 7
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what the previous cohort learned—and what you can expect from the programme:
Anna Davies, Co-Founder and CEO at OvaJoy
“Before I started Spark, I thought I was ready to approach investors and had a relatively strong deck. After finishing Spark, I realise how far off I was and the skills and knowledge I’ve learnt over the last few weeks has been invaluable. The main improvement has come from my story telling element to my pitch. I now feel confident approaching investors and having different versions of my pitch tailored to the requirements of each investor.”
Declan Pang, Founder and CEO at Dermalere
“The structure of Discovery Spark was really well thought out, with fantastic breadth and depth to give me the skills I needed. What I found particularly helpful was that each session was led by a field expert, allowing us to ask questions related to our own backgrounds and receive tailored, expert advice. Several sessions had tasks built in which really got me thinking, reflecting and critiquing my own business proposition to develop it in a constructive manner.”
Gemma Poole, Co-Founder at Avline Health
“The cohort experience was another significant benefit. Connecting with other founders created opportunities for peer learning, shared problem solving and mutual encouragement. It was useful to hear how other businesses were approaching similar challenges and to build relationships with founders at different stages of their journeys. The programme therefore
helped us expand our network while also reducing some of the isolation that
can come with building an early-stage company.”
Ben Marshall, Co-Founder and CEO at Inherit Health
“The beauty of the programme has been that it has shone a light on the ‘unknown unknowns’ and then built layers of knowledge and insight, with the added bonus of a professional connection or two in every area we covered. That means that, whilst we might not have the cash or the need to get into that area in depth right now, when we do we will be able to move quickly and with experts with whom we have already broken bread.”
Kristina Katsemonova, Founder at IGEDAPT
“One of the main highlights was receiving honest, practical feedback that genuinely changed how I think about my work. I already had a strong understanding of the patient pain point and unmet need in food allergy, but the programme helped me realise that I had become too absorbed in experimental logistics and technical details. It encouraged me to reconnect the science more clearly with the wider patient need, the strategic direction of the project and the value the solution could provide.”
Santosh Kumar, Founder and CTO at In2cell biosciences
“The biggest shift for me was learning to think like a company-builder rather than only as a scientist. At the bench, the questions are about whether something is true. In building a company, the questions are about whether something is needed, whether people will pay for it, and whether it can reach them within real regulatory and financial limits. The sessions on customer discovery and market validation pushed me to test our assumptions rather than assume the science would speak for itself.”
Sarah Chitongo, Founder at Vina Health App
“Beyond the tangible skills and connections, the programme gave me something harder to measure: confidence and momentum. I entered conversations with investors, with the NHS, with potential partners better prepared, better positioned, and better connected because of Discovery Spark.”
Thushara Sabreen, Founder and CEO at Soule
“The sessions, one-to-ones and investor feedback were practical and directly relevant to the stage we are at, particularly as we move from beta development towards pilots, evidence generation and pre-seed investment. The cohort experience was equally valuable. Being surrounded by founders at similar stages created a supportive environment for honest discussion, peer learning and useful networking.”
Beckie Ingram, CEO at VacTimmune
“Discovery Spark has been one of the most motivating and valuable accelerator programmes I’ve taken part in. One of the things that really stood out was the stage of the companies involved. Many accelerator programmes understandably focus on the very early stages of spinning out and building a business. Because the Discovery Spark cohort was made up of companies that were already further along their journey, the discussions, challenges and feedback operated at a much higher level. Rather than covering the basics, the programme continually pushed me to think more strategically about VacTimmune, how we communicate our value, and how we build a company that investors want to back.”
How to apply for Discovery Spark
The programme is open to UK startups and SMEs with a compelling USP or IP position, requiring foundational business insights, connections, and approaching investor readiness or commercial traction.
The sessions will run throughout November, at locations in London and opening at Discovery Park, with a final London pitch day on 3rd December 2026.
Register your interest online, with applications closing on 9th October 2026.
Questions?
If you have specific questions about Discovery Spark, please get in touch with programme lead Renos Savva. Fill out the short form on the Contact Us page.