Incubation Programmes
Tailored support for technology businesses
We tailor our support to meet the needs of early stage technology businesses, providing ambitious entrepreneurs with the access to equipment, expertise, funding and networks they need to grow.
Through long-term global partnerships, STFC offers start-ups a number of business incubation programmes at Sci-Tech Daresbury that provide an attractive and all-encompassing package of support in addition to the wider benefits the campus offers.
The European Space Agency Business Incubation Centre United Kingdom
Whether a business is developing technology for use in space or turning their ideas into profitable products and services using space technology, the ESA Business Incubation Centre United Kingdom (ESA BIC UK), managed by STFC on behalf of ESA, provides the support and funding that start-up companies need to flourish.
Businesses on this programme join the largest network of incubators supporting space related start-ups in Europe, offering infinite opportunities.
The all-encompassing package of support includes:
- A cash incentive for design, prototyping, Intellectual Property (IP) protection and market studies of over £40,000
- Office space on campus
- Access to STFC’s test facilities, laboratories/workshops and technical expertise, including up to 40 hours of expert support and 40 hours per year of access to lab facilities
- Hands-on business development support/advice
- Access to a range of funding, investment, networking and collaboration opportunities.
CERN Business Incubation Centre
This incubation programme run by STFC on behalf of CERN offers funding, business support and technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small high-tech companies seeking to accelerate their innovative business concepts in high-energy physics technologies.
We provide an ideal package of both funding and business support including:
- £40,000 of total funding for use on IP protection, design, prototyping, and market studies
- Access up to 40 hours of CERN and 40 hours of STFC scientists and technical expertise
- Use of CERN intellectual property at favourable conditions
- Access to collaboration and networking opportunities across STFC’s campus network
- Wider access to potential sources of financial support through our links with venture capitalists and funding bodies.
Biotechnology Business Incubation Centre (Bio BIC)
A collaboration between the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC),the Biotechnology Business Incubation Centre (Bio BIC) is designed to support early-stage biotechnology companies achieve their commercial potential.
The Bio BIC provides an outstanding support package for start-ups. Successful applicants will be provided with:
• Up to £50k targeted R&D funding
• claim a £10k innovation voucher to support your R&D with one of our partners
• IP protection support
• Networking and introductions to investors, customers, sector stakeholders and next stage funders
• Unlimited business coaching provided by dedicated business experts
Digital Business Incubation Centre (Digital BIC)
The Digital Business Incubation Centre (Digital BIC), in collaboration with The Hartree Centre, is designed to support early-stage technology companies achieve their commercial potential by de-risking the route to market. It enables early-stage technology companies to develop new products and services that adopt AI, Data Analytics and HPC technologies.
The Digital BIC provides an outstanding support package for start-ups. Successful applicants will be provided with:
• Up to £50k targeted R&D funding
• Up to £10,000 R&D vouchers to spend with public sector partners
• Up to 50 hours of support (1-2-1 business coaching, investment readiness, market validation; IP advice)
• Networking and introductions to investors, funders and stakeholders
• Engagement with campus and Digital Cluster Ecosystem
