Jinu Mathew and her husband Suju both worked at Pfizer for nearly 20 years, so the news that they were being made redundant was met initially with shock and then sadness that they were going to lose the ‘family’ that had formed over that time.

However, several years previously Suju had mentioned that he aspired to venture out alone at some point. ‘[At the time] I brushed the idea aside, saying that nobody in their sound mind would leave a job to start their own business,’ says Mathew. The pair also had to consider that starting a company with just the two of them would mean, to a certain extent, they would have to put ‘all eggs in one basket’.

‘When there are different founders in an organisation, it’s a bit easier because your family is not at risk, whereas we had to consider that aspect as well,’ she says.

Like Marziano, they were fortunate to benefit from a variety of support offered by Pfizer and Discovery Park, and it was during one of the talks they put on that the Mathews were inspired to ‘take the leap’.

‘You’ve got to do it at the right moment with the right opportunities there. We were getting lots of support, and we felt that was the moment, if we were going to make it, we had to do it.’

Combining the Mathews’ collective expertise in chemistry, physical organic chemistry and chemical engineering, Matheus Engineering covers all aspects of scaling-up chemical processes, with the core mission of bridging the gap between lab and plant.

‘We identify problem statements in a small-scale vessel and design bespoke scale-up solutions,’ she explains. ‘Evaluating and predicting the future performance of a process is vital for scalability and sustainability. Batch failure remains one of the most critical challenges in manufacturing, often leading to production delays, increased cost and compromised quality.’

Their work is not purely lab-based, but a combination of experimental and theoretical approaches. ‘We handle all unit operations,’ Mathew explains. ‘Reaction is only one part of the whole picture when you make a molecule, then you need to get the molecule out of the pot and turn it into an end product.’

‘We knew there was a niche market there, but it takes a lot to turn it around into a business,’ Mathew adds.

Due to the specific skill set required for the work, Mathew says anyone they recruit into the team needs to be carefully trained, so they knew patience and perseverance would be the key to building the company up.

‘There are certain things which require decades of experience and training in highly specialised areas – that’s the heart of the business,’ she explains. In October 2024, they hired another ex-Pfizer colleague and a fourth member of the team will be starting in July.

Also still based at Discovery Park, in a lab that Suju helped to design in 2006, the Mathews were fortunate to have access to advice around setting up the various supporting functions critical for a startup, including accountancy, insurance, waste management and procurement, which Mathew admits she had never had to deal with before.

‘We have an IT group based in Discovery Park who are managing IT infrastructure for all the startups, so that was a massive help,’ Mathew adds. ‘If nothing existed there, it would have been a bit of a challenge.’

Every day they have to wear multiple hats, she says: ‘You are a scientist by heart, but as a business owner that’s not what you do all the time. 10am I am doing lab work, but 11am I’m an accountant, or an EHS [Environmental, Health and Safety] person.’

However, she says there are ‘no regrets’ and that she is looking forward to catering to their niche market and building a vibrant scientific team that in many years’ time they can look back on and be proud of.

Biowaived

A pharmacist by background, Mark McAllister led the global biopharmaceutics group at Pfizer, a group of around 25 scientists spread across the UK, US, Europe and India, focused on predicting formulation performance using laboratory and computational tools.

‘For those of us who were located in the UK, the [redundancy] announcement was hugely impactful but we very quickly came to the conclusion that fundamentally we enjoyed what we were doing,’ says McAllister.

He and his colleagues had had conversations about starting their own business back in 2011, when Pfizer announced it was exiting Sandwich (a decision that was reversed in part). The announcement in 2023 gave them the chance to revisit those conversations, ultimately leading to the establishment of Biowaived, which aims to deliver biopharmaceutics and dissolution strategies to help support companies with drug product development.

‘We felt [Biowaived] would be really valuable to other companies who didn’t have their own biopharmaceutics group, and we thought we could make a difference to them in terms of understanding drug product design and performance in patients,’ says McAllister.

McAllister explains that biopharmaceutics, not to be confused with biopharmaceuticals, is a multidisciplinary area comprising formulation, drug delivery, clinical pharmacology, regulation and analytical science.

‘It’s all around understanding what happens to the drug product when a patient takes it – where physiology meets pharmaceutics. Our science is unravelling the complexity of that process.’

From their own experiences of trying to access new technologies, new capabilities and additional support at Pfizer, McAllister and his four co-founders knew there were ‘only a handful’ of companies that do what Biowaived does with the same level of expertise.

‘We’re not a big [contract research organisation] like some of the other players who specialise in this area, and I think that’s where our strength is,’ he says.

Biowaived was established in April 2024 and became operational in September. As well as receiving considerable support from Pfizer and Discovery Park – where they too are based – they also worked with Kent County Council on their small business boost loan to provide them with the funding to expand in those early months.

They were able to work quickly to secure lab space, reconfigure the laboratory operation and agree a deal to buy equipment from Pfizer. However, moving from a science-based role to a business that delivers the science required them to adopt a new way of thinking.

‘The challenge … is thinking about the balance between consolidation and growth and being able to have everything that you need to go out and talk to other companies confidently; to be able to say “we can do this work for you”.’

As a team they have had to dedicate time to thinking about what Biowaived looks like to the outside world.

‘None of us are really good at social media – it’s that external aspect that is difficult and it’s only in the last few months that we’ve begun to be a bit more confident about that and think about how we tell our story to others,’ McAllister says.

Moving from a big company to a small startup also comes with the realisation that ‘there’s stuff you’ve just got to do’, McAllister says, which can mean the boundaries between life and work can become blurred. But there are benefits to this too.

‘We were able to set up a three-way collaboration with just a half hour meeting,’ says McAllister. ‘That would have taken a couple of months in big pharma.’

Biowaived is now starting to grow, with the recruitment of three employees and plans to bring on more in the next year. McAllister admits they are further along than they initially expected.

‘If somebody had said to me this time last year, we will be running a business that can pay its bills, that is engaging with a number of different clients, is growing in terms of we’ve got first employees coming on board, we’ve got access to all the laboratory equipment we need, we, importantly, also have the critical software we need through a strategic partnership with Certara … I wouldn’t have believed them.’

Article originally published on ChemistryWorld, written by Julia Robinson, Science Correspondent. 

Copyright: ChemistryWorld /Julia Robinson. 

https://www.chemistryworld.com/careers/the-startups-that-grew-out-of-the-pfizer-redundancies/4021629.article

What do investors really look for in the first 30 seconds of a pitch? At the 2025 London Biotechnology Show, Discovery Park hosted a panel discussion featuring five incredible biotech investors, who peeled back the curtain to share insights for founders and tips on perfecting your pitch.

Our expert panel included:

• Dominick Peasley, CEO – SPRK Capital (Panel Chair)
• Sonja Lawrence, Associate Director – Proven Connect & The TAR Network
• Sonal Pai, Investor – First Spark Ventures
• Emmi Nicholl, Managing Director – Cambridge Angels
• Eva Tarasova – Investment Director – Wharton Asset Management

Key learnings from their discussion on the investor landscape and perfecting pitches:

Behind the Scenes of Being an Investor:

The Reality of Investment Timelines

Understanding investor timelines is crucial for planning your fundraising strategy. These timelines can extend significantly if investors aren’t familiar with your sector.

Investor Type	Average Timeline (initial engagement → delivering funds)	Key factor
Angel Investors	12 weeks	Relationships matter more
Venture Capital	6 – 8 weeks	More structure on decision process
Family Office	4 – 6 weeks	Able to move fast based on interests

 

Get to the Point – 30-Second Rule

Family office investor Eva Tarasova knows within 30 seconds if she can invest. Investors are short on time, so your approach should focus on:

• What you need from the investor
• Why that specific investor is right for your company
• Your key story without unnecessary detail

Eva is receptive to cold outreach, but warns she’s too busy to give personalised feedback if the business isn’t the right fit. VC Sonja advises founders to understand the focus and portfolio of the investors you are pitching to, always tailoring the approach according to their specific interests. 

How Investors Really Evaluate Startups

The 5 Ts Framework: VC Sonal Pai uses this proven method to assess founders for investment potential:

1. Team – Passionate problem solvers who can execute 
2. Traction – Evidence you’ve spoken to the market and are gaining momentum 
3. Tech – Innovation with genuine potential to disrupt 
4. Total Addressable Market (TAM) – A big market with significant growth potential
5. Timing – Entering the market at the right moment

Industries of Particular Interest

While AI remains the “flavour of the decade”, other hot areas include:

• Cell and gene therapy
• Platform technologies
• Companies with potential to remove industry blockers

Find an Incubator

Family office investor Eva urges founders to research incubators, which can be great for referrals and building a network of investors. VC Sonal tends to track interesting companies she spots on incubators. 

Ask for Introductions

It’s important to be well networked in your sector. Angel investor Emmi urges founders to end every meeting asking for your next introduction. 

Perfecting Your Pitch

Lead with Business, Not Science

The biggest mistake? Focusing too much on pure science instead of commercial potential. Do this instead:

• Set up the problem succinctly and demonstrate market potential
• Clearly outline your business plan and commercial case – this isn’t a scientific project 
• Be receptive to feedback and open to taking advice 

Master the Art of Scientific Storytelling

Biotech investors understand the broad picture, but details often escape them. No investor wants to feel uninformed, so:

• Use storytelling over scientific jargon
• Explain your concept simply (think 5-year-old test)
• Focus on the impact, not the methodology

Be Honest About Competition

VC Sonal feels suspicious if founders claim they have no competitors at all. Every business has competition in some form. Instead:

• Acknowledge your competitive landscape
• Demonstrate your understanding of the market
• Show how you differentiate

Showcase Your Dream Team

When reviewing a deck, Angel investor Emmi goes straight to the pitch slides covering the team and advisory board. She’s looking for:

• A team with execution ability
• Advisors with credibility and diverse skills
• The right mix of expertise to support the business

 

At Discovery Park, we are supporting the next wave of science and tech innovators. We’ve created a practical guide called ‘Science to Startup’, packed with useful insights to help you lay solid foundations, avoid common pitfalls, and start building a business with real potential.

Download your free guide covering core topics every founder should consider in the early stages, from market analysis and funding, to branding, IP, and team building.

Discovery Park based Logical Biological – biospecimen and critical material experts – today announced the launch of a new sister company, Logical Antigen. The new company focuses on rapid and customised delivery of high-quality antigens and biologicals for research and manufacturing of diagnostic products.

Antigens are a key component in the manufacture of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) test reagents, often used in controls to confirm test performance. However, unmet needs currently exist in relation to protein derived material availability, suitability and consistent performance. Helping to solve these challenges, Logical Antigen offers both native and recombinant antigen customisation, as well as serum and plasma customisation and engineering, unlocking clinical innovation and addressing supply sustainability. The company will focus on antigen and raw material development tailored to complex biological requirements, with stringent quality standards and large-scale usage.

Led by Managing Director Hannah McIntosh, the Logical Antigen founding team of three scientists each have over 20 years of protein purification experience. Their streamlined workflows enable customised antigen delivery within weeks, accelerating the industry-standard timelines which traditionally have taken years. This significantly reduces  timelines across discovery, design review, validation, and product development pipelines.

Stephane Argivier, Chief Executive of Logical Biological, said: “The launch of our sister company addresses today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges in the supply of critical raw materials. Hannah and the team at Logical Antigen are amongst the very best in the world at what they do, providing deep expertise in protein purification, as well as serum and plasma engineering. This launch strengthens our ‘One Logical’ offering and demonstrates our ambition to be the partner of choice, delivering at scale for diagnostics leaders.”

Hannah McIntosh, Managing Director of Logical Antigen, commented: “Logical Antigen was born from the urgent need for faster and more flexible development of antigens and biologicals. We’ve assembled a brilliant team with complementary expertise, working from state-of-the-art facilities at Discovery Park. By combining our specialist protein purification knowledge with Logical Biological’s industry-leading expertise, we are entering a new era of protein engineering, supporting faster and more accurate detection of diseases.”

Based alongside Logical Biological at Discovery Park in Kent, Logical Antigen is now operating out of a new, purpose built laboratory space. Structured as ‘One Logical’ family of companies, Logical Antigen’s commercial and business support functions will be delivered by the existing team at Logical Biological.

Logical Antigen’s customisation capabilities are based on refined extraction, isolation, and purification techniques, from native biological sources, to preserve structural conformation, post-translational modifications, and biological activity. The expert team will also offer recombinant antigen development services to support diverse project requirements and achieve superior performance through novel downstream purification protocols. The team is able to rapidly scale up production to meet growing demand without compromising on quality or delivery timelines.

Alongside their antigen focus, Logical Antigen will also support Logical Biological by increasing customisation options, including delivering processed biospecimen, bulk serum and plasma. Logical Antigen’s scientific expertise, combined with Logical Biological’s in-depth knowledge of IVD applications, will enable the development of products precisely aligned to customer needs.

The launch marks the latest phase in Logical Biological’s strategic expansion, supported by strong financial performance with EBITDA figures up nearly 30% on FY24. Building on initial capabilities in biospecimens and bulk disease state plasma, the company continues to invest into customisation capabilities to deliver critical components for IVD controls and calibrators, with further capability expansion planned for the future.

A response from our CEO, Mayer Schreiber, in light of the Government’s Life Science Sector Plan.

 

“The Life Sciences Sector Plan sets out the Government’s bold ambition to make the UK the leading life sciences economy in Europe by 2030. It’s encouraging to see our sector recognised as one of the UK’s greatest national assets, with policy changes designed to drive economic growth and attract global investment.

The South East (excluding London) generates 30% of the UK’s life sciences turnover, worth over £32 billion – more than any other region. At Discovery Park in Kent, a designated Life Science Opportunity Zone by the Government, we’ve seen this momentum first-hand. The park has doubled its scientific community in recent years, with both homegrown innovators and international companies choosing to build and scale here.

The Government’s plan rightly recognises the need to attract global investment, something we’re already delivering on as home to a growing number of overseas-owned businesses, including Asymchem, which has established its European manufacturing base here. Our tenants will welcome the £520 million Innovative Manufacturing Fund, with Discovery Park infrastructure already built for advanced manufacturing and powered by the £160 million Kent Renewable Energy biomass facility, a significant clean energy FDI project which aligns to national sustainability priorities.

While the Plan’s nationwide focus on manufacturing and innovation is encouraging, I’d like to see stronger recognition and support for Kent’s life science clusters in future phases of place-based innovation, especially given the strength of our community. The life sciences opportunity is clear, now we must build a business-first environment that removes barriers like regulatory complexity and high business rates, so regions like ours can fully deliver.”

 

Read the full Life Sciences Sector Plan, released 16 July 2025: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/life-sciences-sector-plan

At the 2025 London Biotechnology Show, Discovery Park hosted a panel discussion featuring four accomplished business leaders who shared their hard-won insights on transforming a good idea into a great business. The panel brought together diverse expertise from pharmaceuticals, intellectual property, AI, and health technology, offering practical guidance for aspiring founders.

Our expert panel included:

• Dr. Nara Daubeney, CEO & Co-Founder of Phaim Pharma (Panel Chair)
• Tim Hewson, UK and European Patent Attorney at Abel + Imray LLP
• Rama Krishna Boya, Co-Founder & CEO of DeepInfinity.ai
• Dr. Joanna Wiecek, Co-Founder of GutSee Health Limited

Here are eight key insights from their discussion:

1. If you’re thinking of starting a business, just start

When asked about advice for her younger self, Dr. Joanna told the audience that you never feel ‘ready’ to start your own business. There will always be more to learn, experience to gain, or certainty to seek. She urged aspiring founders to make the leap now, emphasising that you’ll learn the rest as you go.

2. Cultivate strategic relationships and nurture your network

All panel participants emphasised the critical role of building relationships with people who can support you and help you overcome challenges. This includes a network of peers, investors and advisors. As a founder, you won’t be an expert in everything, but you’ll find that people genuinely want to help you along the way. The key is showing up, being visible, and nurturing these relationships consistently.

3. Start good organisational habits early

Rama would urge his younger self to be organised from the very beginning. Whilst it’s challenging to plan in the early days when everything feels uncertain and fast moving, tracking your progress and goals helps you balance competing priorities effectively. Establishing these systems early prevents chaos later and creates a foundation for sustainable growth.

4. Position for success

Dr. Nara spoke about the importance of finding your people and place within the entrepreneurial community. She recommended actively seeking out startup-focused ecosystems – like Discovery Park – which can offer opportunities and connections specifically built for the needs of founders. These environments provide both practical support and the camaraderie that makes the entrepreneurial journey less isolating.

5. Protect what matters

Intellectual property (IP) is a huge focus in the early days, with investors constantly enquiring about your company’s IP position versus competitors. Patent Attorney Tim Hewson explained that IP is your mechanism for capturing value, so founders must be aware of their IP pipeline: how they’re identifying, developing, and commercialising their industry know-how. Protection of your IP is critical and will be an ongoing process as your business evolves.

6. Leverage accelerator and incubator programmes

Dr. Joanna had hugely positive experiences growing her business through accelerator programmes, including Discovery Spark and Zinc Venture Builder. These programmes build your network within a supportive cohort whilst simultaneously developing your business skills. They provided structured learning, mentorship, and connections that were invaluable for Joanna’s early-stage company.

7. Navigate valuation strategically

Valuing a company is notoriously difficult and often feels nebulous, but Dr. Joanna urged founders to triangulate their approach. She recommended using data resources like PitchBook and Crunchbase to map the journey of competitors and understand market dynamics. Additionally, making connections with VC funds and asking them to critique your methods provides valuable feedback to refine your approach.

8. Invest in yourself

As Rama wisely noted: as a founder, you must look after your health, both physical and mental. The entrepreneurial journey is demanding, and sustainable success requires sustainable practices. Your business is only as strong as you are, so investing in your wellbeing isn’t selfish – it’s strategic.

 

At Discovery Park, we are supporting the next wave of science and tech innovators. We’ve created a practical guide called ‘Science to Startup’, packed with useful insights to help you lay solid foundations, avoid common pitfalls, and start building a business with real potential.

Download your free guide covering core topics every founder should consider in the early stages, from market analysis and funding, to branding, IP, and team building.

Discovery Park opened its doors for the East Kent Science Jamboree, hosting a record-breaking 1,500 children from 51 Kent schools for a two day science spectacular.

This year’s 30th anniversary celebration was the largest ever jamboree and marked a decade of the summit taking place at Sandwich science hub Discovery Park. Led by the STEM Hub at Canterbury Christ Church University and supported by Pfizer, the inspirational day introduced school pupils to science in action and demonstrated how STEM subjects impact everyday life.

The three-decade long science inspiration initiative was established by Pfizer team members in 1985, aiming to spark a love of science in the next generation. The event brought together local businesses and organisations, running inspirational workshops to deliver fun and practical learning.

Young people launched rockets with the Royal Engineers Museum to learn about the forces behind propulsion, and built their own eyeballs with Canterbury Christ Church University Health to understand the anatomy of sight. Pfizer’s team taught children that sunlight is made from primary colours, learning about rainbows and refraction, as well as hosting sessions on identifications of bugs and using balloons to demonstrate electrostatic energy.

The Discovery Park community came together in full force to deliver hands-on science sessions. Experts from Resolian taught young pupils about the science of surfactants, chemicals which lower surface tension, using knowledge of physics and chemistry to blow gigantic bubbles. Unilabs York Bioanalytical Solutions taught pupils about pH, making their own indicator from red cabbage and identifying acids or alkalines. The day was rounded off with a spectacular air show from John Coad, demonstrating the principles of flight and atmospheric gases.

The newly elected Mayor of Sandwich, Cllr Emmet Csuka, also visited Discovery Park on the day of the jamboree, touring the facilities and meeting schoolchildren, teachers and industry.

Cllr Emmet Csuka, Mayor of Sandwich, said:

“Sandwich’s Discovery Park is home to an impressive scientific community, which came together to capture young minds from all over Kent. Seeing so many engaged and excited students really did demonstrate how science, engineering, technology, and maths can be fun. I’m sure this event will inspire many of the students to learn more about the STEM subjects and maybe even spark some future careers in these areas.”

Professor Mohamed Abdel-Maguid, Pro Vice-Chancellor (STEM) and Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Social Sciences, at Canterbury Christ Church University, said:

“We are proud to support 30 years of the Science Jamboree, an inspiring two-day celebration that goes far beyond traditional STEM. It offers a programme of fun, hands-on activities that bring together science, the arts and digital technologies to spark curiosity, creativity and ambition in young minds.

“This isn’t just about careers in STEM. It’s about encouraging young people from across the county to dream big, think freely and see first-hand that they can turn their ideas into reality.

“We are proud to work in partnership with industry experts and with Discovery Park to deliver this important event. The Jamboree inspires our young people to step into the future with confidence as leaders, creators and ambitious bold thinkers.”

Mayer Schreiber, CEO of Discovery Park, said:

“As a thriving hub for science and innovation, Discovery Park is proud to bring together local industry and academia to inspire the next generation. From advances in medicine to vertical farming, hugely exciting work happens at our campus every day, and the jamboree is an important way to highlight the many career opportunities available in STEM.”

Adam Pattenden, Pfizer Sandwich Site Head, commented:

“As we commemorate 30 years of the Science Jamboree, we celebrate a proud legacy of inspiring young minds through creativity, fun, and hands-on science experiences. Founded by dedicated Pfizer colleagues, we are pleased to support this event which continues to bring together science and technology organisations to spark curiosity and empower the next generation of innovators.”

Schools descended on Sandwich from all over Kent, with groups travelling from as far as Medway. Most attendees were primary school age, but this year’s cohort also included secondary school children for the first time.

Local businesses and organisations hosting workshops included: APS Produce, Asymchem, Canterbury Christ Church University, Kent & Medway Medical School, Network Rail and Southeastern, The National Physical Laboratory, Pfizer, Resolian, The Royal Engineers Museum, Southern Water and Unilabs York Bioanalytical Solutions.

Discovery Park has launched applications for its immersive business growth programme, ‘Discovery Spark’, seeking early stage companies in cardiovascular and cardiometabolic health.

Partnered with health-specialist venture capital firm Zinc, the initiative offers expert-led business skills sessions and the opportunity to secure £250k Zinc investment.

Discovery Spark is a transformative business programme for early-stage startups, led by science and tech hub Discovery Park. With practical sessions bridging the gap between science and business, Discovery Spark provides the tools, mind-set and strategy to build a thriving, investment-ready company. The programme culminates in a pitch day with investors and industry leaders, providing the chance to win a Zinc investment package plus tailored support from additional prize partners.

The latest Spark focus was selected for its significant burden on health. Cardiovascular diseases – affecting the heart and circulatory systems – account for 1 in 4 of all deaths in the UK^[1] and include conditions like coronary heart disease and stroke. Cardiometabolic health includes the cardiovascular system plus metabolic health (processing and using energy from food), which is closely linked. Cardiometabolic diseases include diabetes and high blood pressure. In the UK, over 5.6 million people have diabetes,¹ and one third of adults with diabetes will go on to die from a heart or circulatory disease.¹

Natalie Pankova, Managing Director, Healthcare Investments, Zinc:

“Cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases remain the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, yet innovation in these areas continues to lag behind their global burden. Zinc is excited to partner with Discovery Park on the next cohort of the Discovery Spark programme, leveraging science-based innovation to make an impact.”

Renos Savva, Head of Innovation and Venture Development, Discovery Park:

“In the critical field of heart and metabolic health, startups and spin-outs deliver transformative advances which will save lives. Despite the clear need, the environment for new businesses remains tough, so Discovery Spark exists to support future leaders in their earliest days to get ready for sustainable investment and business growth. For founders, you can expect hands-on, personalised guidance, relevant introductions, and to be part of a friendly, collaborative cohort.”

The next Spark programme, Cohort 5.0, will run September to October 2025. The deadline for application is 18th July 2025, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

Learn more and apply: https://discovery-park.co.uk/lp/discovery-spark-cohort-5/

Discovery Spark Cohort 5.0 is focused on innovation related to cardiovascular and cardiometabolic health, but is technology and modality agnostic. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Cardiovascular disease in women
• Childhood metabolic health
• Digital and hardware-based therapies
• Gene editing and RNA therapeutics
• Gut microbiome and metabolic health
• Heart failure
• Inflammation and atherosclerosis
• Lipoprotein targeting
• Metabolic health equality
• Multiomics biomarker discovery
• Risk stratification and imaging
• Sleep, stress and chronobiology
• Therapeutics beyond GLP-1s and combination therapies

Discovery Spark is open to UK based, early-stage life science and tech companies with demonstrated proof of concept and the freedom to operate.

To be eligible for Zinc investment, companies must be early/inception/pre-seed stage and be pre-investment. Companies must have an existing validated idea or technology (e.g. preclinical proof of concept or TRL 3/4).

^[1] British Heart Foundation Statistics Factsheet – UK, Jan 2025, BHF UK CVD Factsheet

Chemical compliance company Scitegrity Limited, based at Discovery Park in Sandwich, Kent, has been honoured with The King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade.

Announced today (Tuesday 6 May), Scitegrity is one of 197 organisations nationally to be awarded a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise, which recognises the nation’s most outstanding businesses.

Employing 7 people, Scitegrity was founded in 2011 by Ian Johns and Joe Bradley and has been located at Discovery Park since inception. The company provides regulatory compliance solutions to the pharmaceutical and chemicals industry, allowing clients to easily identify regulated chemicals globally and generate tariff classification codes (HTS codes), supporting compliant export and trade.

Scitegrity CEO, Joe Bradley, said:

“We are delighted and extremely honoured to receive this award in recognition of the years of hard work and dedication by our small, tight knit team. When we started in 2011, it wasn’t clear whether what we planned was technically feasible, however our software is now used by five of the world’s top 10 pharmaceutical companies and dozens of other research organisations around the world. I’m incredibly proud of my team and all that they have achieved.”

Scitegrity is now the fourth King’s Award winner located at Discovery Park. Scientific consultancy A4P and biospecimens provider Logical Biological were awarded for International Trade in 2024, and eXroid was awarded for Innovation in 2023, recognising their work in developing a treatment for haemorrhoid sufferers.

Mayer Schreiber, CEO of Discovery Park, said:

“Scitegrity’s award for International Trade is a fantastic achievement and a clear demonstration of their global impact within the science sector. Having four King’s Award winners at Discovery Park underscores the strength and innovation that thrives here in Kent, supporting dynamic companies like Scitegrity to grow from ambitious start-ups to international players. Congratulations to the entire team at Scitegrity on this significant milestone.”

The King’s Awards for Enterprise, now in its 59th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country and recognises outstanding achievement in the categories of international trade, innovation, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility.

Winners are visited throughout the year by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenants to receive their awards, along with an official certificate and commemorative crystal trophy. King’s Award recipients are also able to fly a King’s Award flag at their main office and use the esteemed King’s Award emblem on marketing materials for the next five years.

Discovery Park is announcing the retirement of Dr. Martino Picardo, esteemed Chairman.

During his seven-year tenure at Discovery Park, Martino’s leadership drove transformative growth, with the Kent science and tech hub recognised as a Life Sciences Opportunity Zone and home to over 180 companies. Over a career spanning more than 30 years, Martino has continually championed the potential of the life sciences sector and the importance of building an environment for innovation to flourish.

As Chairman, Martino played a key role in strengthening Discovery Park’s position as a leading destination for science-led companies. Prior to joining, he was the first CEO of Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, an ambitious initiative focused on accelerating innovation through a dedicated incubator and accelerator. Holding a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and with decades of leadership and non-executive experience, Martino is widely regarded as a leading figure in life sciences business incubation and science park development.

Martino has worked hard to elevate STEM on academic agendas and create meaningful pathways for future talent. From championing skills development to advocating for female founders and mentoring emerging leaders through our investment fund, Discovery Park Ventures (DPV), he has remained committed to building a stronger, more inclusive innovation ecosystem. He also served as Director of DPV, supporting and guiding companies such as VisusNano and BoobyBiome, and will continue as Chairman of two DPV-backed businesses, Vox Imaging and RS & RS Scientific, until his planned retirement at the end of the year.

Mayer Schreiber, CEO of Discovery Park, said: “Martino has an unparalleled vision for building top-class innovation ecosystems and an incredible knowledge of the life science sector. His leadership has been immensely valuable to Discovery Park and I am deeply grateful for his years of dedicated service. We wish him a fulfilling retirement and all the best for the future.”

Martino Picardo, Retiring Chairman of Discovery Park and Director of Discovery Park Ventures: “My time at Discovery Park, and indeed throughout my career in life sciences, has been incredibly rewarding. Witnessing the translation of groundbreaking science into tangible benefits for patients has always been a driving force.

“Seeing Discovery Park grow from a transitioning site into a dynamic community has been a privilege and I’m excited to watch as the next generation of life science entrepreneurs take the reins and continue to drive change. In my retirement, I am looking forward to travelling and spending time with my family.”

Martino formally stepped down as Chairman of Discovery Park on 1st April 2025, leaving behind a legacy that has helped define what Discovery Park is today.

Discovery Park has successfully concluded its latest Discovery Spark programme, an intensive business growth catalyst supporting early-stage start-ups. Designed to help innovators refine their commercial strategies, build investor readiness, and connect with likeminded peers and industry specialists, the programme culminated in pitches from 10 pioneering companies dedicated to improving cancer treatment and patient outcomes.

This oncology-themed cohort, supported by Capital Enterprise, NHS Kent & Medway Cancer Alliance, and the University of Kent, brought together businesses developing future empowering solutions in diagnostics, therapeutics, AI and medical technologies. Over the course of the programme, participants gained invaluable mentorship and took part in expert-led workshops to propel their ventures forward.

Following an intensive final pitch day, Capital Enterprise nominated Protalea Bio and its founder, Elena Pavlova, the winner of a prestigious place on the Cancer Tech Accelerator (CTA) Bootcamp, an accelerator created by Cancer Research UK and Cancer Research Horizons with grant support from some of the UK’s leading cancer charities. Protalea Bio impressed the judges with a clear and compelling pitch, showcasing groundbreaking research that aligns perfectly with the support offered by the Cancer Tech Accelerator. Protalea Bio is pioneering cell therapies and bispecific biologics to tackle cancers and autoimmune diseases, particularly blood cancers, by targeting sphingolipid metabolism. The support from CTA will be instrumental in accelerating the company’s scientific and commercial development, helping advance Protalea Bio’s path to market.

Elena Pavlova, Founder of Protalea Bio said, “I am incredibly honoured and excited to have been awarded a place in the Cancer Tech Accelerator Bootcamp through Discovery Spark. The programme has been wonderful, providing insightful guidance and mentorship. This next step with CTA will be crucial in advancing our research and making a greater impact in oncology.”

Discovery Park and its partners recognised the exceptional quality of all participating companies, leading to a split prize approach. Rather than a single company receiving the entire package, the prizes were allocated based on which companies would benefit most from specific support areas. Selected participants will receive free tailored support from Discovery Park’s host of prize partners, including:

• Abel+Imray (IP & Patent Support)
• Absolute Diversity (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Coaching)
• Alchemy Street (Presentation Training)
• Barclays Eagle Labs (Coworking space & Mentorship)
• Cripps (Legal & Contractual Support)
• Discovery Park (Lab & Office space)
• DLRC (Regulatory & Compliance Advice)
• Kreston Reeves (Financial & Tax Planning)
• Probacure (Business Development Consulting)
• Project Fusion (Data Room & File Sharing Package)
• SRG (Talent & Recruitment Coaching)
• The Good Stuff (Marketing & Branding Support)

This collaborative approach ensures that all companies in the cohort stand to receive elements of the resources, expertise, and network connections they need to succeed.

Discovery Park is firmly establishing itself as a centre of excellence for oncology innovation, supporting start-ups and scale-ups at the forefront of cancer research and treatment. The programme aligns with the Park’s ongoing commitment to building an ecosystem of world-class cancer technology businesses.

Dr. Renos Savva, Head of Innovation & Venture Development at Discovery Park, commented: “We’ve been truly impressed by the ambition and ingenuity of all the participants. The Discovery Spark programme continues to attract some of the most promising start-ups, and we are thrilled to see Protalea Bio receive well-deserved recognition from our partner Capital Enterprise. We look forward to seeing their technologies transform cancer diagnostics and treatment in the years ahead.”

If you’re an early-stage innovator in all fields of science and technology, Discovery Spark offers an invaluable opportunity to develop your business and grow your network. Register your interest now to be notified when applications open for the next cohort: https://discovery-park.co.uk/discovery-spark/