The DeepTech Catalyst supports the next generation of research-driven businesses

By combining tailored support with access to specialist labs, expert insight, and a powerful innovation network, we help research-active entrepreneurs turn complex challenges into real-world solutions. From quantum and biotech to space and net zero, we accelerate the commercialisation of deep tech that drives meaningful societal impact.

Learn more

Our programmes

DeepTech Catalyst Health

Accelerates start-ups innovating in healthcare technologies, medical devices, and digital health.

DeepTech Catalyst Quantum

Guides early-stage start-ups that are using or developing quantum technologies.

Macro image of cells beneath a microscope

DeepTech Catalyst Bio

Assists early-stage start-ups involved in biotechnology and bioscience.

Higgs Business Incubation Centre (Higgs BIC)

Helps start-ups with innovations in areas related to particle physics.

Image from space showing the moon and a part of the surface of the earth

ESA Phi-Lab UK

Provides the funding and support to enable the commercialisation of innovative technologies that promote space sustainability and sustainability on earth.

ESA BIC UK

Empowers start-ups developing technology for use in space, the space industry or those leveraging space technology.

Our partners

Accelerating deep tech innovation

Turning investment into impact

£25

Return to the UK economy for every £1 invested

220

Deep tech startups supported

£13m

STFC investment into startups

1000+

High-value jobs created

£650m+

In startup value, equivalent to a FTSE 250 company

De-risking deep tech

We combine real-world entrepreneurial experience with deep sector insight to give founders the clarity, tools and confidence to scale. By working in close partnership with high-potential businesses, we reduce the risks of innovating at pace – helping refine strategy, unlock technical expertise and secure sustainable growth. That’s why 90% of the businesses we support are still thriving in year five.

Latest news

STFC backs 10 pioneering health start-ups at Daresbury Laboratory

From early lung cancer detection to heart failure prediction, businesses at the DeepTech Catalyst Health are developing breakthrough technologies to improve patient outcomes.

Frontier Space Achieves Major Orbital Milestone with First In-Orbit Biotech Mission

Frontier Space, an incubatee of the European Space Agency Business Incubation Centre United Kingdom (ESA BIC UK) at Space Park Leicester, has successfully completed its first orbital mission, marking a significant step forward in space-based biomanufacturing and scientific research.

Omanos Analytics: Unveiling Community Impacts of Conflict and Climate

Omanos Analytics combines satellite data with community insights to monitor the social and environmental impacts of infrastructure projects. With support from ESA BIC UK, they developed their data visualisation tool, Askr, and refined their product strategy.

Treeconomy: UK Start-Up Bringing Trust and Traceability to Ecosystem Restoration

Treeconomy is using satellite and drone data to improve transparency in ecosystem restoration. With support from ESA BIC UK, they’ve scaled their tech, grown their team, and secured investment to advance nature-based climate solutions.

Lúnasa: Accelerating the Development of In-Orbit Infrastructure

Lúnasa is developing next-gen technologies and services for enabling the In-Orbit Services, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) industry. The company is focused on building and commercialising its autonomous Rendezvous Proximity Operations (RPO) technology for satellite servicing missions and operates testbeds in orbit to provide affordable tech rideshare for ISAM companies for in-orbit validation purposes.

Finchetto: Sustainably Powering the Future of AI

Finchetto, a pioneering deep-tech startup, is addressing one of the most urgent challenges in AI and data infrastructure: the unsustainable energy demands of data centres.

Celebrating 20 years of the ESA Business Incubation Centre

Senior Startup Award presented to ESA BIC UK Alumni, Open Cosmos at the European Space Agency’s 20 year celebration event. The event in Munich, Germany, brought together entrepreneurs, space companies, investors and policymakers.

Higgs Centre for Innovation celebrates £25 million in investment

Companies based at the Higgs Centre for Innovation in Edinburgh have secured over £25 million in funding since the business incubation centre opened in 2018, creating over 150 jobs, highlighting Higgs’ role in supporting start-ups and fostering growth and innovation.

Enquiries

For more information and all enquiries, please contact us.