Three new life science start-ups thrive at Discovery Park

A group of former Pfizer employees have successfully created their own businesses based at and supported by Discovery Park, a thriving life sciences community in Kent.

The new businesses are all contract research organisations, namely Biowaived, Matheus Engineering and Particology Ltd. Their launch has been supported by Pfizer’s Pharmaceutical Sciences Small Molecule (PSSM) division, with contracts for work to build their initial viability and momentum. The opportunity to establish these new businesses emerged from Pfizer’s cost realignment programme over the past year.

Biowaived provides laboratory, computational modelling services and consultancy to clients within the pharmaceutical industry to help better understand and predict how the medicines they are developing will perform when dosed to patients.

Mark McAllister, Chief Science Officer at Biowaived, said: “Founding our new business has been a steep learning curve for us all as there is a lot you take for granted when you are part of a large corporate organisation but the support we have received from Discovery Park has made all the difference. The Discovery Park ecosystem has enabled us to quickly establish our lab services and IT infrastructure and the guidance and mentorship from the scientific community based at Discovery Park has been a huge help. From the early days when all we had was a business concept to moving into our lab and offices, the Discovery Park team has been there every step of the way in making our business a reality.”

Matheus Engineering specialises in chemical process engineering based scientific services for pharmaceutical and fine chemical sectors. It works with businesses to develop and troubleshoot manufacturing processes, often developing bespoke engineering technologies to address process specific challenges.

The two co-founding scientists, Dr Suju Mathew and Dr Jinu Mathew are on the way to developing their own infrastructure and support systems to help emulate the capacity and standards they found at Pfizer. Matheus Engineering continues to focus on delivering high quality science but one day hopes to expand into the field of Net Zero Carbon related engineering and technology development.

Suju Mathew, Co-Founder and Director at Matheus Engineering, said: “Like many start-ups, patience and persistence have become two important words for us while embracing a constantly changing environment. Our industry, and specifically our former Pfizer colleagues and Discovery Park team have been hugely supportive. The Barclays Eagle Lab at the Park has been a fantastic asset in establishing our business and building confidence in our technologies. The Sandwich site provides the ideal scientific ecosystem critical for start-ups like ourselves.”

Particology Ltd sets out to be a one-stop-shop providing industry-leading particle technology contract research and consulting services. With expertise developed over decades working in the pharmaceutical industry, the ambitious group of six,  has already made significant contributions in bringing several medicines to market.

In establishing and developing the business, Particology has also benefited from mentorship from senior figures at Discovery Park and utilised the onsite Barclays Eagle Lab providing education, support and facilitating introductions with key players and investors in the industry.

Lisa Taylor, CEO at Particology, said: “Our roots are firmly embedded within Discovery Park, but our new venture has really opened our eyes to just how much goes on within the wider site and the impact of such a supportive community. We have learned a tremendous amount in a short period and genuinely credit the support from Discovery Park, academic institutions and funding organisations in helping us create Particology which we truly believe will make a positive impact in our industry and beyond.”

Mayer Schreiber, CEO at Discovery Park, said: “When Pfizer first announced it was consolidating its operations, it marked a pivotal moment for us and the local life sciences community. As with any challenges in our industry, we  quickly adapted and I’m immensely proud of how Discovery Park’s team has collaborated with Pfizer colleagues and the Barclays Eagle Lab to support talented individuals to establish these three innovative new businesses. We’ll continue to be in their corner every step of the way as they progress and thrive here.”

Andrew McKillop, Senior Vice President for PSSM at Pfizer, said: “Maintaining the UK’s place as a world-leading life sciences environment means nurturing the ecosystem of science, enterprise, innovation and talent in this country. We are delighted to provide support to these start-ups led by talented individuals with clever ideas who now have the opportunity to build their enterprises.  We wish them every success and we congratulate Discovery Park on the growth of the exciting life sciences community here in Sandwich.”

Carers’ Support East Kent – Firewalk at Discovery Park

Are You Ready to Walk Through Fire for Carers in East Kent?

We are thrilled to invite you to join us for an unforgettable adventure that will challenge your limits and warm your toes. On 24th October 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM at Discovery Park, Carers’ Support East Kent are hosting A Walk of Fire to bring our community together to raise vital funds for unpaid Carers in East Kent.

Take part

Individual Entry £20 – Suggested minimum sponsorship £80

Team of 5 Entry £80 (1 place free) – Suggested minimum sponsorship £350 per team..

Why Join Us?

Life-Affirming Adventure: Experience the thrill of walking across hot coals! This is not just a test of courage but a fantastic opportunity for team building and personal growth. Imagine the sense of achievement you’ll feel as you conquer your fears and walk through fire.

Team Building: A Firewalk is great fun and an incredible way to bond with other participants, your friends, family, or colleagues. It’s a unique experience that will create lasting memories and strengthen your connections.

Support a Worthy Cause: Carers’ Support East Kent is a local charity based at Discovery Park. We offer an information support helpline, one-to-one personal and emotional support, broker practical support and equipment, facilitate 16 monthly support groups and run a short breaks programme offering social/well-being activities. Your participation and generosity will make a difference.

The Impact of Your Support

In Kent, 1 in 9 of us are performing this valuable but often invisible caring role. Your Fire walking adventure will help us continue our vital work supporting East Kent’s vibrant and often invisible community of unpaid Carers.

Got a question?

Take a look at our Firewalk FAQs https://carersek.org.uk/firewalk-faqs

Or get in touch, we’d love to hear from you, email fundraising@carersek.org.uk or via our web contact https://carersek.org.uk/contact/  or call 0300 302 0061

Register Now

Christmas Market

Save the date and join us at Discovery Park for our festive indoor Christmas Market, where we’ll be getting in the Christmas spirit and showcasing a range of local small businesses.

Following the success of last year, this year’s market will feature a variety of unique offerings, including homemade jams and preserves, handcrafted jewellery, organic skincare and soaps, crafted gift parcels, handmade crafts and artwork, as well as fresh flowers and bouquets.

Whether you’re a member of the public or one of our tenants, come along and discover perfect Christmas gifts, all while supporting local vendors.

Wednesday 4th December at 11:30am-13:30pm.

Secure your free ticket now by clicking here.

 

Royal Society of Chemistry Kent Local Section Networking

Join us for an evening event at Discovery Park when we welcome RSC members and other fellow chemists from academia and industry. This is a chance to expand your networks, share your projects, create partnerships and have fun!

Welcome drinks from 18:30pm.

Event runs 7pm – 8:30pm.

Speakers include;

  • Chris Broom – Head of Business Development, Discovery Park
  • Dr Felipe Fantuzzi – Lecturer in Chemistry, University of Kent
  • Dr Lee Byrne – Senior Lecturer, Canterbury Christ Church University
Book your free spot here before 8th September.

 

Rise4Disability Kent

RISE4Disability is coming to Kent! Join us at Discovery Park for the first in an exciting series of regional events designed to empower and support the disability community.

Local Health and Social Care professionals, organisations, and individuals will come together to share insights, showcase innovations, and improve outcomes through more effective collaboration.

From insightful panel discussions to immersive exhibitions featuring the latest products and services, RISE4Disability offers an inclusive space for networking, learning, and exploration.

A Hub of Innovation – Exhibition Hall

  • Diverse array of products and solutions, plus location informational services and charities.
  • In-person demonstrations and a chance to try multiple options under one roof.
  • Directly engage with suppliers to discover the perfect solutions for yourself or your clients.

Have YOUR voice heard – Community Campaigns

  • Have your say on the disability issues that matter to you.
  • Drive policy changes relating to accessibility and inclusion.
  • Advice and information, engaging discussions, and a summary outlining the path forward.

Connect and Collaborate – Integration Conference

  • A platform for AHPs to share their expertise within their specific disciplines.
  • Meet and Greet networking
  • Expand your knowledge and gain new insights

Get Hands-On – Practical Workshops

  • Regionally specified training produced in collaboration with your local authority.
  • Tackle a variety of scenarios and specific client needs.
  • Gain first-hand understanding of applying products and solutions in real-life situations.
  • Collaboration is key as delegates, trainers, and equipment providers work together.
Click here for more information and to register for your FREE ticket.

The Big STEM Challenge

The ultimate inter-schools competition

which is all about inspiring and engaging young minds in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM)! We’re on a mission to ignite your curiosity and creativity, and we want to see your amazing projects that showcase the best of STEM.
Find out more and enter your school here.

Kent Construction Focus Group

The Kent Construction Focus Group (KCFG) is a one-stop-shop for local businesses to discuss the future of Kent development, giving companies access to local knowledge, expertise and contracts. KCFG promotes the future role of Kent land development and construction businesses in the growth and development of Kent and its environment.

Enjoy a selection of breakfast baps and pastries served along with hot/cold beverages at Discovery Park, served from 8.30am with an anticipated finish of 10.30am.

Register here

Science Jamboree 2024

This valuable event was designed to bring science to children, to excite and inspire so they were encouraged to study science during their secondary education. Every student that experiences the delights of the Science Jamboree could be the next scientist of the future and without them, the pharmaceutical industry would not be able to continue with the work of discovering and developing medicines for patients the world over. We’re proud to host the event in it’s 29th year at Discovery Park.

Kent Women in Tech Network Meeting

According to Women in Data, less than 25% of professionals working in Data Sciences are Women. Networking is a vital mechanism to address this imbalance.

Kent Women in Tech was founded in 2019 to fill a gap for Women’s events in the Tech space outside of London. Inspired by attending events such as Women In Data, Sarah Lipscombe ran the first session with the help of her colleagues. It continued to run and moved online during the pandemic and has moved back to being a predominately in person event to allow women in the Kent area to connect with each other, share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences.

It has always been an informal and inclusive meet up where everyone is welcome. Over the years, many connections have been formed and continue alongside the regular sessions. Industry research shows women supporting women is a key component of attracting and retaining women across STEM and data sciences fields.

Find out more about the Kent Women in Tech Network Meeting and register here.

Toasted Sandwich Open House Meeting

Ready to conquer your fear of public speaking and enhance your leadership skills? Join the Toasted Sandwich Open House meeting at Discovery Park this Wednesday!

To find out more about The Toasted Sandwich, Toastmasters International, and the benefits of taking your speaking and leadership skills to the next level, join us in the Magellan Suite at Discovery Park on Wednesday 21st February from 11.30-13.00 📅

This event is open to all, whether you’re a seasoned Toastmasters International club member or new to public speaking, and will help you understand how Toastmasters can sharpen your communication and leadership abilities.

You can also join online via Zoom 💻

Join online: https://lnkd.in/eJ7iQudJ

Meeting ID: 814 0094 4240
Passcode: 207349

Make sure to check out the new member pack below here.