In the scientific community, a lab’s location can be critical to its overall success. Historically, the majority of UK life science investment happened inside the ‘Golden Triangle,’ but the tide is turning and the leasing statistics from 2024 back it up.

The Golden Triangle comprises the capital city of London and University heavyweight cities Oxford and Cambridge, which ranks highly in the top 30 life science markets global index, behind Boston and San Francisco. However, there has been increasing recognition for science parks in other parts of the UK. For example, Discovery Park was named one of six designated Life Sciences Opportunity Zones by the UK Government’s Office for Life Sciences in 2020, and is home to a thriving life science cluster outside the triangle.

Figures from a recent Savills report on Golden Triangle office and lab space revealed that lab space take up levels were significantly down in the first half of 2024, compared to 2023. London’s figures plummeted to 12,200 sf in H1 2024 compared to almost 100,000 sf the previous year. Of that, the majority interest was in dry lab and science-related office space. Similarly, Oxford also recorded a sharp decline in lab space from c.300,000 sf in 2023 to c.75,000 sf in 2024. The report presents that the majority of demand for lab space in the market has been derived from VC-backed early-stage occupiers, with 76 percent of deals recorded since 2021 below 20,000 sf.

Meanwhile Discovery Park attracted over 26,000 sf of lab take up from an entirely science community, this includes securing Asymchem, a global technology-driven contract development and manufacturing organization. In August 2024, Asymchem opened a European HQ at Discovery Park, in facilities previously occupied by Pfizer, marking its first site in Europe.

The reality of Pfizer scaling back operations at Discovery Park was disappointing but we tackled that challenge, attracting Asymchem among others and supporting three spin-outs of ex-Pfizer employees who created their own businesses based on site who are already thriving, expanding and recruiting.

Across the industry, we are seeing less funding and investment for start-ups as investors look at growing established assets. Businesses are nervous to commit to full-time space but I am proud to say Discovery Park is defying that trend.

Encouragingly we continue to see our tenants recruit and grow with us, expanding into larger lab space and achieving significant business success. Examples include lung cancer therapy research and development company RS & RS Scientific, and soil testing company Verdant Carbon which specialises in measuring organic carbon levels in agricultural soils. Additionally biotech Logical Biological which specialises in biological specimens for diagnostics and therapeutic research, upgraded its lab space with us for a third time this year after a 170 percent boost in international trade.

We are fostering a thriving community for life sciences through various initiatives and amenities. Our team provides start-ups and scale-ups with the infrastructure, knowledge, mentoring and networking opportunities they need to progress. Already we are a proud home to over 180 dynamic businesses.

The right location can accelerate research outcomes, foster partnerships, and drive commercial success but location is more than space alone. It can position a business and its research to thrive in a competitive landscape, and significantly influence access to resources, funding, and growth opportunities. Proximity to top academic institutions and access to a specialised talent pool is important, but the key is to be part of an innovation ecosystem.

This year we have completed two rounds of our free Discovery Spark programme which offers growth and support for early stage businesses. Crucially we are nurturing networks of like-minded individuals who are contributing to our impressive UK science economy.

We can see that life sciences is being prioritised within the UK Government’s green paper on a modern industrial strategy and we acknowledge our role in pushing this forward. We truly believe in the quality of our offering and it is positive to see that reflected in the occupancy figures as we nurture an innovative UK science industry that is globally competitive.

Eleven early-stage companies working in oncology have started ‘Discovery Spark’, a free seven week development programme  hosted by leading science and innovation campus Discovery Park, in Sandwich, Kent. 

Designed to offer start-ups the skills and tools to lay healthy foundations in their business, refine their commercial strategy and achieve investor readiness, all 11 businesses will be put through their paces to enable future success and growth.

Supported by Capital Enterprise Network, Cancer Tech Accelerator, NHS Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance and the University of Kent, Discovery Park’s latest Discovery Spark programme has an oncology theme. The 11 entrepreneurial businesses securing a coveted spot on this cohort and looking to advance their organisation are:

• AssureDrop 
• Cancer IVD 
• DeepInfinity 
• ExoNostic
• Nexokine Therapeutics 
• NYSCHEY 
• PNAS Therapeutics 
• Protalea Bio 
• Qinara 
• Rokalin Pharmaceuticals
• Roxy Health 

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.

Discovery Park is already home to a number of businesses working in oncology and this year the Park will welcome a new steering group with Michelle Garrett, Professor of Cancer Therapeutics in the School of Biosciences at the University of Kent and visiting Professor of Cancer Therapeutics at the Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK. Alongside Professor Michelle Garrett the steering group is supported by NHS Cancer Alliance and Capital Enterprise Network.

As well as developing valuable skills, one Discovery Spark candidate will secure a spot in the prestigious CRUK-funded Cancer Tech Accelerator Bootcamp and be awarded the opportunity of free lab space at Discovery Park with access to a business support and mentoring package worth over £50,000. 

Lotus Qi, Chief Operating Officer, Capital Enterprise Network, added: “Discovery Spark is an excellent programme and invaluable resource for early stage companies. It’s great to shine a spotlight on innovators within oncology and we’re proud to  support this cohort throughout the seven weeks and offer one candidate a place in the Cancer Tech Accelerator (CTA) at the end of the programme. CTA is incredibly close to my heart, it connects the wider UK MedTech landscape and supports start-ups in the shared ambition to beat cancer and improve lives.”

Discovery Park’s Head of Innovation & Venture Development, Renos Savva, who leads the Discovery Spark programme, said: “It’s a great privilege to work with such enthusiastic and talented individuals working on innovative technologies and health platforms. The 11 businesses have been selected from a highly competitive pool of oncology innovators and it’s exciting to think what these businesses can achieve with the right support and infrastructure.

“At Discovery Park, we’re building a thriving oncology innovation community, providing tailored business support, expert mentorship, and world-class facilities. We have several cancer tech businesses growing on site already and it’s fantastic to bolster that ecosystem further through our latest Spark programme.”

Last week, Discovery Park brought together a panel of influential leaders in women’s health at Giant Health’s ‘Women’s Health Technology Show’, creating a powerful forum for thought-provoking discussion. Hosted by Kate Lancaster, CEO of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the event featured a diverse group of voices from across the healthcare sector, all united by a common goal: to address the longstanding gaps in women’s health and to explore the transformative role of technology in bridging these divides.

The panel included:

• Paula Bellostas Mugerza, Senior Partner and Global Healthcare & Life Sciences Practice Leader at Kearney.
• Alexandra Oti, Co-Founder of Unravel Health.
• Erin Beveridge, Principal Clinical Researcher at Canon Medical Research Europe Ltd.
• Miriam Kenrick, Co-Founder of Women in Pharma and #BeyondBikiniMedicine.

Together, they delved deep into the changing landscape of women’s health, sharing valuable insights and fostering a conversation that could define the future of healthcare.

The Long-Standing Gaps in Women’s Healthcare

For decades, women’s healthcare has suffered from systemic neglect. From clinical trials that exclude women to the lack of products tailored to their needs, the gender gap in healthcare innovation has had far-reaching consequences.

“We need to stop viewing women’s health as a niche and instead recognise it as fundamental to human health,” Alexandra Oti remarked.

One striking example discussed was the absence of mandatory menopause education in many medical school curricula – even though every woman experiences it! This gap was starkly illustrated by a “hot flush” simulation test conducted on men, which highlighted how discomforting the experience can be and underscored the importance of taking women’s health concerns seriously.

The panel emphasised that the responsibility to close these gaps lies with everyone in the healthcare ecosystem: startups, investors, corporates, and policymakers.

The Rise of Femtech: Challenging the Status Quo

One of the most promising developments in recent years has been the emergence of Femtech – technology designed to address women’s health needs. This sector is disrupting the norm, fostering innovation, and empowering women like never before, and as Kate Lancaster highlighted, is estimated to be worth £60 billion in revenue by 2027.

However, hurdles remain. While Femtech startups often attract seed-level funding, many struggle to secure the resources needed to scale. As Miriam Kenrick noted, “There’s no shortage of brilliant ideas, but the capital flow hasn’t caught up yet. We need to keep making noise.”

Specific examples like fertility tracking apps, menopause management tools, and maternal health platforms were highlighted as areas where technology is beginning to bridge the gap.

Technology and Innovation as Game-Changers

The role of technology in advancing women’s health cannot be overstated. From AI-driven data analysis to inclusive care system redesign, innovation is paving the way for a more equitable future.

AI, for instance, is enabling researchers to uncover gender-specific trends that were previously overlooked. But as Erin Beveridge pointed out, “It’s not just about new tools; it’s about redesigning systems with equity at their core.”

Organisations like Canon Medical Research Europe are already applying AI to improve diagnostics and treatment pathways. At the same time, startups and collectives are leveraging technology to address access issues, especially in underserved communities.

Policy and Accessibility: Breaking Down Barriers

The panel also stressed the importance of accessibility and inclusion. Access remains a critical challenge for women’s healthcare. Geographical barriers, affordability, and systemic inequities continue to limit access for millions of women worldwide. Similarly BAME women face significantly higher health risks compared to their white counterparts, especially in maternal and reproductive health.

Paula Bellostas Mugerza highlighted initiatives like the Women’s X Collective, which are driving change by improving access and equity. Policy reform was another key focus, with panelists calling for:

• Mandatory inclusion of women in clinical trials.
• Standardised training for healthcare professionals on gender-specific issues like menopause.
• Incentives to support women-led innovations and ventures.
• The need for women to be listened to properly by healthcare professionals.

“If we want to do good science, it has to work for everyone,” Erin Beveridge remarked, summing up a core message of the discussion. Inclusivity in research isn’t just ethical – it’s essential for delivering effective healthcare.

Good science means ensuring women’s voices, experiences, and needs are integral to the process. This includes diversifying clinical trials, designing solutions with women in mind, and investing in research that reflects the entire population.

Beyond “Breasts and Babies”: Changing the Narrative

A powerful takeaway from the panel was the need to expand the narrative around women’s health. Historically, women’s healthcare has been narrowly defined, focusing mainly on reproductive health and breast health.

“There’s so much more to women’s health than ‘breasts and babies,’” said Erin Beveridge. “Women are rewriting the rules, and the industry must follow suit.”

From cardiovascular health to autoimmune diseases, women’s health encompasses a wide spectrum of needs that are often under-researched and underserved.

Reasons to Be Optimistic

Despite the challenges, the panel struck an optimistic tone. Kate Lancaster highlighted that initiatives like accelerator programmes, Femtech ecosystems, and networks such as the Health Innovation Network and Discovery Park are creating a thriving platform for innovation. With advocacy and collaboration, the panelists expressed confidence that funding and policy would eventually catch up to the passion and potential in this space.

The narrative is shifting, and with it comes hope. Women-led ventures and technological advancements are redefining healthcare, ensuring it becomes more inclusive, equitable, and effective.

How You Can Take Action

Inspired to get involved? Miriam Kenrick recommended starting with the book Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men. This eye-opening read sheds light on how data gaps have held women back in countless areas, including healthcare.

We need to keep banging the drum  – whether by supporting Femtech startups, advocating for policy changes, or simply spreading awareness.

A Bright Future

As the event concluded, one thing was clear: the future of healthcare is female. With passionate advocates, groundbreaking technology, and a growing movement for change, we’re on the brink of a revolution.

And if the passion and vision of this panel are anything to go by, it’s going to be one worth watching, and supporting.

So let’s keep the conversation going. Join us on a mission to change the future of women’s health, creating health equity for all. Download our brochure for more information here.

 

Amino Plus awarded ‘Discovery Spark’ prize package worth over £50,000 

Following the immersive Discovery Spark programme and a competitive pitch process with nine fellow entrepreneurial life science and technology businesses, Amino Plus secured the coveted first place prize.  

Amino Plus is a nutritional therapeutics company, on a mission to solve the £200bn+ global unhealed wound problem with a novel oral leg ulcer treatment called Wound Plus. 

In October ten businesses embarked on Discovery Spark, a free six-week programme that aims to provide participants with the skills and tools to lay healthy foundations in their business, refine their commercial strategy and achieve investor readiness. The experience then culminates in a competitive pitch day to showcase the skills gained to investors. 

Winning Discovery Spark entitles Amino Plus to free space at Discovery Park for a year where they can benefit from the ecosystem of infrastructure and business support, including that from over ten specialist partners, valued at over £50,000. 

CEO of Amino Plus, Simon Carty, said: “The Discovery Spark programme has been a privilege to be part of. We truly believe our Wound Plus product will contribute a real solution to the global unhealed wound problem and securing this top prize means we can continue to build our business and reach new markets. We are in great company with Discovery Park support, and we’re excited for what the year ahead will bring.”

The latest cohort of Discovery Spark included second placed RS & RS Scientific, a biotech company focused on developing innovative therapies for lung cancer and third placed, SmileScaff which specialises in dental devices that aim to accelerate recovery from tooth loss through advanced scaffold technology. Other participants included Bioflares, Gutsee, Peachy Healthcare, Phlow, Simplex Molecular,  UltraBiOmics and We Are Eden. 

Discovery Park is a sponsor at this year’s GIANT Health event in London where it hosted a panel of Discovery Spark winners, namely Alicia Showering from BugBiome, Minter Health Hormone founder Lexie Minter and Amino Plus CEO Simon Carty. RS & RS Scientific and SmileScaff, along with runners up from the previous cohort – Ask Joan and Pelvity, were offered another chance to pitch for the Wildcard prize voted by the audience. This year’s Wildcard winner was Ask Joan, whose founder Katy Longhurst will now benefit from over £10,000 worth of specialist support.

Discovery Park’s Head of Innovation, Renos Savva, who leads the Discovery Spark programme, said: “Supporting start-ups and helping entrepreneurs to take their business to the next level is a personal passion of mine and a big part of our mission at Discovery Park. With three cohorts of the Discovery Spark programme now complete, we are encouraged by the skill and innovation coming through our industry. Congratulations to all who completed the latest programme, we can’t wait to see how you put the lessons learned and skills gained into practice to elevate your businesses further.”

Discovery Park is committed to supporting business and innovative organisations in life sciences. The next Discovery Spark programme will run during February and March 2025 with a specialist oncology theme, supported by Capital Enterprise Network and the Cancer Tech Accelerator. 

For more information, and to apply visit https://discovery-park.co.uk/lp/discovery-spark-oncology/.

Logical Biological, a leading provider of biological critical materials for diagnostics, therapeutic research, and IVD reagent manufacture, has settled into larger, upgraded laboratory space at Discovery Park, marking its third move within the science and innovation campus. This expansion reflects the company’s remarkable growth, which has seen a 170% increase in international trade over the past three years.

Founded as a start-up with just two employees, Logical Biological has grown to a dynamic team which collaborates with many of the top 30 IVD manufacturers and ships to over 24 different countries. This latest move with a more streamlined layout allows the company to significantly increase its operational capacity and efficiency, positioning it for even greater expansion in the future.

The continued success of Logical Biological has been recognised with the coveted King’s Award For Enterprise, which was recently presented to the team on site at Discovery Park. This prestigious accolade recognises the business’s excellence in International Trade for Outstanding Short-Term Growth in overseas sales over the last three years.

With this expansion, Logical Biological is set to continue its leadership in the development and supply of biological critical materials, bolstering its ability to meet growing demand in both the diagnostic and therapeutic research sectors.

Stephane Argivier, CEO at Logical Biological, said: “Our growth has been driven by our ability to pivot rapidly and successfully post pandemic when many other companies were less fortunate. This was made possible by a unique understanding of our customers’ requirements, building capabilities to adapt in order to address their end-user needs, coupled with our aim to offer exceptional customer service and quality. This approach helped Logical Biological become a trusted partner to blue chip companies worldwide, and to address the increasing demand for high-quality biospecimens and critical raw materials in the diagnostic and pharmaceutic sectors.

“Discovery Park has been instrumental in supporting our journey, providing the ideal environment for us to prosper and grow. Our new state-of-the-art facilities not only meet the high containment standards we require, but also offer us the ability to achieve operational excellence beyond our size with purpose designed laboratory space and capacity to meet our ambitious expansion plans.

“The thriving science ecosystem at Discovery Park and the access to local talent, combined with the best talent and industry expertise we could attract throughout the UK, were significant factors in our success.”

Discovery Park is home to a diverse mix of start-ups and global corporations. The park provides state-of-the-art facilities that foster collaboration and innovation across a range of scientific disciplines.

Mayer Schreiber, CEO of Discovery Park, added: “We’re immensely proud to have Logical Biological as one of three King’s Award winners at Discovery Park. Their impressive expansion is a testament to their innovation and growing international impact. We’re proud to provide the upgraded facilities and supportive environment that help businesses like Logical Biological thrive, and we look forward to seeing their ongoing success as part of our dynamic community.”

For more information on Logical Biological, visit logicalbiological.com.

In a bid to enable future success and growth, ten entrepreneurial life science and technology businesses have begun the immersive Discovery Spark programme, with a prize package worth over £50,000 up for grabs.

Based in Sandwich, Kent,  Discovery Park is a leading science and innovation campus offering a range of impressive facilities for dynamic start-ups through to global corporations. Now in its third iteration, the Discovery Spark 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.

The ten entrepreneurial businesses securing a coveted spot on this cohort and looking to advance their organisation are:

• AminoPlus
• Bioflares
• Gutsee
• Peachy Healthcare
• Phlow
• RS & RS Scientific
• Simplex Molecular
• SmileScaff
• UltraBiOmics
• We Are Eden

This group of businesses spans biotechnology and healthcare, each focused on innovative solutions to advance healthcare and scientific research through novel technologies.

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.

The experience culminates in a competitive pitch day to showcase the skills gained to investors, and after being scored, the winning business will receive a prize package worth over £50,000. This package includes one year of free lab or office space at state-of-the-art Discovery Park, plus wrap-around business support and dedicated mentoring from a series of companies. 

Discovery Park’s Head of Innovation, Renos Savva, who leads the Discovery Spark programme, said: “We are just at the start of this programme and already the energy and enthusiasm of this new cohort has been tremendous. Together with industry experts we’ll mentor the group and cover essential topics such as intellectual property, startup legalities, branding, financial planning, ESG, data security, and regulatory compliance. 

“We’re equipping these businesses for future success and  I look forward to working alongside them to help them harness their innovations and flourish in the market.”

Mayer Schreiber, CEO at Discovery Park, added: “Discovery Spark is building a legacy in our industry. Previous winners include BugBiome which harnesses the power of skin microbiome to create effective, long-lasting pest repellents, and Canterbury menopause care provider Minter Hormone Health who are both going from strength to strength. It’s exciting to see what will come next and we’re proud to play our part in supporting a thriving life sciences community.” 

As an early-stage life science startup, you’re navigating a landscape filled with potential yet marked by challenges. For founders transitioning from academia or spinning out from a university, the journey from concept to commercialisation is both exciting and daunting. A key decision you’ll face is where to establish your operations. While university labs can be a great starting point, they often limit growth potential and make attracting investment difficult. This is where coworking labs come in – offering a dynamic, collaborative environment that not only supports innovation but also strengthens your commercial appeal.

Why coworking labs matter

Coworking labs are more than just shared spaces, they are incubators of innovation and growth. For early-stage life science startups, these spaces provide several key advantages:

1. Investor appeal: Startups in professional labs are often seen as more commercially viable than those based in universities, which can often be perceived as research projects. Investors are more likely to back companies operating in professional, supportive environments. Moving to a coworking lab positions your business as a serious commercial venture and makes it more attractive to potential backers.

2. Cost-Effectiveness: Setting up a lab from scratch can be financially overwhelming. Coworking labs offer access to high-quality equipment and facilities without the significant upfront investment, enabling startups to focus resources on research and development rather than infrastructure.

3. Access to expertise and resources: Being part of a larger ecosystem offers startups invaluable access to resources and expertise. Coworking labs often partner with universities and industry experts, giving businesses access to advanced research facilities, academic support, and technical advice. Look for coworking spaces that also offer access to additional business support, mentoring, and growth programmes, as these elements are crucial in helping startups transition from concept to commercialisation.

4. Fostering Community : Collaborative environments are vital for innovation. These spaces bring together entrepreneurs, fostering the exchange of ideas, partnerships, and collaboration that can drive growth. The role of the founder can be lonely and co-working spaces provide opportunities for peer-to-peer learning – and a sounding board for your ideas!

5. Flexibility and Growth: Startups need the flexibility to grow at their own pace. Many coworking labs offer flexible rental agreements that allow businesses to scale operations without the risk of outgrowing their space too soon. As your company expands, these labs often provide the necessary infrastructure to support larger operations, making your growth journey easier.

CoLab at Discovery Park: The ideal launchpad

Located in the thriving life science community of Discovery Park, CoLab is specifically designed for early-stage life science companies. It offers a CAT 2 lab with flexible bench space and comprehensive specialist equipment, as well as access to advanced research facilities and academic support through its partnership with Canterbury Christ Church University. Additionally, CoLab provides access to Discovery Park’s on-site Barclays Eagle Lab, which not only offers access to professional meeting rooms but also tailored business support services and investor readiness programmes –helping you to work in your business and on your business simultaneously.

One of the standout features of CoLab is its six-month free membership for eligible businesses. This offer is a game-changer for startups, providing a cost-free period to focus on advancing research and preparing for commercialisation without financial strain. During this time, you can fully leverage the lab’s resources and support network to transform your innovative ideas into investor-ready propositions.

Conclusion

For early-stage life science founders, the journey from concept to commercialisation is filled with both challenges and opportunities. By choosing a coworking lab like CoLab at Discovery Park, you not only gain access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert support but also position your business in a professional, investor-friendly environment. With flexible offerings, collaborative spaces, and comprehensive business support, CoLab provides the ideal first step in derisking your innovation and setting the stage for long-term success.

 

For more information about the CoLab click here.

Locate in Kent and Growing Kent & Medway welcomed industry leaders, academics and innovators from across the UK and the Netherlands to the county on the 20th September to discuss opportunities for future trade collaboration and innovation.

The UK’s thriving Agri-tech sector covers a broad range of categories from consumer-based apps and services, food processing and sustainable packaging to farming systems and research into the next generation of food and beverages.

Kent was the final stop of a three-day Agri Tech Mission, organised by the British Embassy in The Hague and the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade with delegates touring key Agri-tech regions of excellence across the UK.

This important trade mission set out to show the sizeable opportunity for Dutch companies in the Agri-tech sphere to grow their business by investing or increasing their investment in the UK, as well as highlighting the very latest UK technological innovations seeking to address challenges including climate change.

In Kent, that included a tour of NIAB’s East Malling site, a world-class centre of excellence for applied research and innovation in commercial horticulture. This introduced delegates to research projects using AI and machine learning for the early detection and prevention of pests and diseases in orchards and vineyard.  Another project on show is using new technologies to increase yields in strawberry production.

At Discovery Park in Sandwich, delegates toured the labs of two Agri-Tech businesses located at the science park campus. These included Harmoniz Seeds, which recently opened a new demonstration greenhouse in the. Netherlands and research and experimental development biotechnology business, Ventera Bio.

Nick Fenton, CEO Locate in Kent, said: “This was an opportunity to showcase Kent and Medway as a key region for food and drink innovation for the UK and to build new connections for future collaboration and investment.

“We were able to share how Kent and Medway is making a significant contribution to a British success story, supporting a food and drink sector that adds £104.4 billion to the UK economy.  That story is built on strong heritage and partnership – and there’s much more to come.”

Dr. Nikki Harrison, Director for Growing Kent and Medway, said: “Through this Mission, we were able to showcase the sizeable investment opportunities for Agri-tech businesses in Kent and Medway.

“As well as being home to some of the largest horticultural producers in the UK, our cluster of cutting-edge research facilities and specialists, funding and business support means our region is an attractive option for innovative businesses looking to grow.”

Chiara Poulteney, Senior Investment Advisor, British Embassy, The Hague, said: “The Department for Business and Trade is thrilled to have spearheaded this AgriTech mission from the Netherlands to Kent, a region with deep historical and economic ties to the Dutch.  As key innovators in sustainable agriculture and horticulture, both the Netherlands and the ‘Garden of England’ have long recognised the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of food production.

“The Netherlands is a leader in sustainable agricultural technologies, such as precision farming, water management, and greenhouse efficiency, and Kent has embraced these technologies through partnerships, research collaborations, and pilot programs. By fostering stronger partnerships, we can drive innovation, improve efficiency, and build resilient agricultural systems that benefit both our regions and beyond.

Mayer Schreiber, CEO of Discovery Park, said: “Discovery Park is a major hub for innovation, hosting over 160 companies ranging from global corporations to dynamic start-ups. Among these is Grow Up Farms, a pioneer in the vertical farming industry, creating pesticide free salad leaves for consumers across the UK.

“With our cutting-edge facilities, strategic location near London and with easy access to transport links to Europe, Discovery Park is perfectly positioned to foster further growth and innovation in the Agri-tech sector.

“Welcoming industry leaders from the UK and the Netherlands is crucial for fostering partnerships and creating new opportunities in this field. We welcome the UK Government’s efforts in promoting trade missions to Kent, which will help support the local economy, create jobs and cement Discovery Park’s position as a global hub for innovation and technology.”