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/

Written by Emily Collins – Communications Officer, University of Kent

On 27 February, Kent teamed up with Discovery Park to host their second joint Innovation Showcase, a celebration of the research-driven technologies and business start-ups emerging from the region’s thriving innovation ecosystem.

The event provided a platform for researchers and entrepreneurs to share their experiences of the business start-up journey, exchange ideas, pitch new innovations to prospective partners, and find out about the range of support available to those looking to turn innovative ideas into a business opportunity.

Amongst the innovations showcased were:

• Patented recombinant protein technology (Sirius Proteins), developed by Dr Karen Baker within Professor Dan Mulvihill’s lab, which is making protein production for biotechnology, health, food, cosmetics and energy production more accessible and affordable.
• Unique florescence technology developed by Dr Jose Ortega-Roldan which, through DrugUptech, offers a cheaper and faster means to test for the uptake of drugs in cells, with applications in drug discovery.
• A novel approach by Dr Helen Cockerton and her lab to introduce disease-resilience in plants without the need for genetic modification.
• Software developed by Professor Tobias von der Haar and his colleagues which accelerates the process of identifying mRNA sequences for the manufacture of gene therapies and vaccines to treat disease.
• Non-invasive, high resolution optical imaging technology that Dr Michael Hughes and his team are looking to apply in a wide range of medical and industrial situations.

The showcase was organised as part of Kent’s Impact Acceleration Account scheme which is enabling the University to use Government-awarded funding via the AHRC, BBSRC and MRC to flexibly support research and innovation at all levels in the arts and humanities, biotechnology and biological sciences, and medicine and healthcare. Many of the innovations discussed on the day have received support from the scheme, as well as from Discovery Park’s Discovery Spark programme and Barclays Eagle Labs.

Kerry Barber, Director of Research and Innovation Support, said: ‘This event highlighted the incredible innovation and real-world impact aided by the University of Kent’s UKRI-funded Impact Acceleration Accounts. The invaluable support from Discovery Park is also helping to turn bold ideas into reality, giving projects the foundation they need to thrive.

Events like these are vital for bringing people together, fostering new collaborations, and sparking ideas – it was truly inspiring to see that one of this year’s presenters began their journey through conversations at a previous event. We are therefore incredibly grateful to our funders – the BBSRC and MRC – for their continued support in helping to drive forward innovation within the Kent and Medway region.’

Professor Michelle Garrett, Lead for the Medical Research Council IAA, said: ‘It was fantastic to be involved in such an informative and interactive event. We were able to share how some of our IAA projects are moving towards commercialisation and facilitate new collaborations between different stakeholders who attended the day.’

Renos Savva, Head of Innovation and Venture Development, said: ‘It was great to see such incredible commercial potential in local R&D and a strong appetite for entrepreneurship at this year’s Innovation Showcase. An inspiring day filled with insights from ex-Pharma researchers, academics, postdocs, and tech-driven start-up founders – many of whom have benefited from Discovery Park’s ecosystem and are now developing some ground-breaking research. The event was buzzing with collaboration, and it was exciting to see translation-ready ideas turning into reality, proof that innovation thrives in the right environment.’

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.”