Biomedical Catalyst Accelerator Provider Pool EoI: early stage

Who can apply

Your application

Your application must:

• be from a single organisation: consortia are not permitted

• be able to deliver a Biomedical Catalyst Accelerator Programme if selected by Innovate UK

• operate at arm’s length from Innovate UK and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) in the delivery of accelerators and innovation programmes

• demonstrate a proven track record of designing and delivering an end to end, structured accelerator programme for innovative micro, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs)

• provide evidence of previous end to end programme delivery, including scale, duration and measurable outcomes

• have the capacity and capability to deliver support services when called upon over the lifetime of the approved provider pool

• carry out delivery activities primarily in the UK

• intend to support UK registered innovative SMEs

Applications that do not meet all eligibility criteria will be rejected and will not be sent for assessment.

Lead applicant

This competition is open to single applicants only.

Your organisation must be a UK registered business of any size, an academic institution, a not for profit, charity, research and technology organisation (RTO) or a public sector organisation.

You must not act in any way to gain selective commercial or economic advantage from the outputs of this project.

More information on the different types of organisation can be found in our Funding rules.

Subcontractors

Subcontractors are allowed in this competition.

Subcontractors can be from anywhere in the UK and you must select them through your usual procurement process.

You can use subcontractors from overseas but must make the case in your application as to why you cannot use subcontractors from the UK.

You must provide a detailed rationale, evidence of the potential UK contractors you approached and the reasons why they were unable to work with you. We will not accept a cheaper cost as a sufficient reason to use an overseas subcontractor.

All subcontractor costs must be justified and appropriate to the total eligible project costs.

Number of applications

A business of any size, academic institution, research and technology organisation (RTO), charity, not for profit or public sector organisation can only lead on one application per strand, but may apply for both strands with tailored applications.

Sanctions

This competition will not fund you, or provide any financial benefit to any individual or entities directly or indirectly involved with you, which would expose Innovate UK or any direct or indirect beneficiary of funding from Innovate UK to UK Sanctions. For example, through any procurement, commercial, business development or supply chain activity with any entity as lead, partner or subcontractor related to these countries, administrations and terrorist groups.

Use of animals in research and innovation

Innovate UK expects and supports the provision and safeguarding of welfare standards for animals used in research and innovation, according to best practice and up to date guidance.

Applicants must ensure that all of the proposed work within projects, both that in the UK and internationally, will comply with the UKRI guidance on the use of animals in research and innovation.

Any projects selected for funding which involve animals will be asked to provide additional information on welfare and ethical considerations, as well as compliance with any relevant legislation as part of the project start-up process. This information will be reviewed before an award is made.

Previous applications

You can use a previously submitted application to apply for this competition.

We will not award you a place in the approved provider pool if you have:

• failed to exploit a previously funded project

• an overdue independent accountant’s report

• failed to comply with award terms and conditions

Innovate UK may withhold a grant payment at any time if you have any outstanding sums due to us in relation to other projects.

No subsidy (and non-aid where applicable)

If successful in being added into the provider pool any future funding will be provided on a no subsidy basis.

Funding

There is no funding in this expression of interest (EoI) competition.

We reserve the right to adjust funding allocations for any of our competitions under exceptional circumstances, for example, in response to changes in policy, portfolio funding considerations, or broader government funding decisions.

Your total eligible project costs for any future funding will be 100% funded.

For more information on company sizes, refer to the company accounts guidance.

If you are applying for a future award funded under State aid Regulations, the definitions are set out in the European Commission Recommendation of 6 May 2003.

Innovate UK may revoke our decision to provide funding without notice if government commitment for this initiative is withdrawn.

Your proposal

The aim of this competition is to identify experienced providers with a proven track record of designing and delivering end to end accelerator programmes for innovative UK registered, micro, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The programmes need to be aligned to Biomedical Catalyst or wider health and life sciences accelerator themes.

Support must be tailored to the needs of SMEs working across a wide range of biomedical and healthcare R&D themes. We expect future accelerators to support 10-15 participants per programme with total costs up to £500,000.

Your application must clearly set out how you will deliver structured, high quality accelerator programmes to innovative SMEs, when called upon, in line with the requirements of the Biomedical Catalyst Accelerator Programme.

Your application must describe:

• the accelerator you will deliver, aligned to the strand you are applying for

• your approach to programme design and delivery, including format, intensity and duration

• how you will ensure high quality delivery, including governance, quality assurance and continuous improvement

• how you will monitor, evaluate and report delivery outputs and outcomes to Innovate UK

You must also describe how your support will be tailored to the specific R&D focus of the SMEs , including but not limited to:

• advanced therapies (cell, gene, RNA, regenerative)

• biosciences and platform technologies

• preclinical tools, target discovery and validation

• therapeutics and medicine development, including AMR and infectious disease

• diagnostics and biomarkers, including AMR and infectious disease

• medical technologies, devices and robotics

• precision and personalised medicine

• digital and data-driven health

• healthy ageing and independent living

Your application must demonstrate how delivery can be mobilised efficiently when called upon and how you will work collaboratively with Innovate UK and other delivery partners, where required.

Strands

This competition is split into two strands. You may apply to both strands but must demonstrate expertise in each area.

Early stage accelerator strand (this strand)

Support under this strand must focus on early stage innovative SMEs. This can include ideation, proposition development, customer discovery, early commercial validation and business model development.

Late stage accelerator strand

Support under this strand must focus on late stage innovative SMEs. This can include scale-up support, investment readiness, regulatory and reimbursement strategy, market access and commercial growth.

Portfolio approach

Innovate UK may use a portfolio approach when appointing providers to ensure an appropriate balance of capability, expertise and coverage across programme themes, technologies and stages of business development. We call this a portfolio approach.

Projects we will not fund

We are not funding projects:

• with providers who do not have a proven track record of delivering structured accelerator programmes for innovative SMEs

• with providers who do not have evidence of measurable impact from their previous accelerator programmes

• whose support is not tailored to biomedical and healthcare R&D focused SMEs

• include delivery that would result in double funding from Innovate UK or UKRI

• be submitted by organisations whose core funding is provided directly by Innovate UK or UKRI for the provision of similar business support or innovation delivery activities

• which are classed as State aid under the Windsor Framework or a subsidy under the Subsidy Control Act 2022

• with undertakings which gain a selective economic or commercial advantage from the funding

2 February 2026

Competition opens

6 February 2026

Online briefing event at 11am: register to attend

Briefing slides will be available to download from Supporting Information after the event.

4 March 2026 11:00am

Competition closes

7 April 2026

Applicants notified

Before you start

You must read the guidance on applying for a competition on the Innovation Funding Service before you start.

Before submitting, it is the lead applicant’s responsibility to make sure:

• that all the information provided in the application is correct

• your proposal meets the eligibility and scope criteria

• all sections of the application are marked as complete

You can reopen your application once submitted, up until the competition deadline. You must resubmit the application before the competition deadline.

What we ask you

The application is split into two sections:

1. Application details.

2. Application questions.

Accessibility and Inclusion

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to making our application process accessible to everyone. This includes making reasonable adjustments, for people who have a disability or a long-term condition and face barriers applying to us.

You can contact us at any time to ask for guidance.

We recommend you contact us at least 15 working days before this competition’s closing date to allow us to put the most suitable support in place. The support we can provide may be limited if you contact us close to the competition deadline.

You can contact Innovate UK by email or call 0300 321 4357. Our phone lines are open from 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm UK time, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).

1. Project details

This section provides background for your application and is not scored.

Do not include any website addresses (URLs) in your answers.

Application team

Decide which people from your organisation will work with you on the project and invite those people to help complete the application.

Application details

Give your application’s title and your availability to participate in an accelerator programme?

Programme summary

Describe your accelerator programme briefly and be clear about your previous delivery and impact, and how your expertise positions you to support health and life sciences SMEs. We use this section to assign the right experts to assess your application.

Your answer can be up to 400 words long.

Public description

Describe your accelerator programmes in detail, and in a way that you are happy to see published. Do not include any commercially sensitive information. If we award your project funding, we will publish this description. This can happen before you start your project.

Your answer can be up to 400 words long.

Scope

Describe how your project fits the scope of the competition. If your project is not in scope, it will not be sent for assessment. We will tell you the reason why.

Your answer can be up to 400 words long.

2. Application questions

The assessors will score all your answers apart from questions 1 to 6. You will receive feedback for each scored question. Find out more about how our assessors assess and how we select applications for funding.

You must answer all questions. Your answer to each question can be up to 400 words long.

You must not include any website addresses or links (URLs) in your answers. If you do, your application will be made ineligible.

Question 1. Applicant location (not scored)

You must state the name and full registered address of your organisation and any subcontractors working on your project.

We are collecting this information to understand more about the geographical location of all applicants.

Question 2. Animal testing (not scored)

Will your project involve any trials with animals or animal testing?

You must select one option:

• Yes

• No

We will only support innovation projects conducted to the highest standards of animal welfare.

Further information for proposals involving animal testing is available at the UKRI Good Research Hub and NC3R’s animal welfare guidance.

Question 3. Permits and licences (not scored)

Will you have the correct permits and licences in place to carry out your project?

We are unable to fund projects which do not have the correct permits or licences in place by your project start date.

You must select one option:

• Yes

• No

• In the process of being applied for

• Not applicable

Question 4. International collaboration (not scored)

Does your proposed work involve any international collaboration or engagement?

You must provide details of any expected international collaboration or engagement.

You must include a list of the names and the countries, any international project co-leads, project partners, visiting researchers, or other collaborators are based in.

You must also include details of any subcontractors or service providers.

If your proposed work does not involve international collaboration or engagement, your answer must confirm this.

Question 5. Export licence (not scored)

You must indicate whether an export control license is required for this project under the academic export control guidance.

You must select one option:

• Yes

• No

Question 6. Trusted Research and Innovation (not scored)

You must explain if your proposed project work relates to UKRI’s Trusted Research and Innovation (TR&I) Principles, including:

• a list of any dual-use (both military and non-military) applications to your research

• a list of the areas where your project is relevant to one or more of the 17 areas of the UK National Security and Investment (NSI) Act

• whether an export control license is required for this project under the academic export control guidance and the status of any applications

• a list of any items or substances on the UK Strategic Export Control List

If your proposed work does not relate to UKRI’s TR&I Principles, your answer must confirm this.

We may ask you to provide additional TR&I information at a later date, in line with UKRI TR&I Principles and funding terms and conditions.

Question 7. Programme management and implementation

How will you manage and implement your programme effectively?

Describe:

• how your programme will be structured and delivered under the Biomedical Catalyst brand, including approaches to cohort management, curriculum design, and engagement with SMEs

• your approach to managing the programme, identifying major activities, tools and mechanisms you will use to achieve innovative and measurable outcomes

• how activities link to the accelerator stage you are applying for

• how you will tailor delivery to SMEs working in Biomedical Catalyst themes

• example work packages, programme durations, leads and costs

• previous accelerator experience with biomedical or healthcare SMEs, including measurable outcomes and lessons learned

• how your programme will help SMEs develop credible initial propositions that can progress to feasibility stage R&D funding

• where your programme will be delivered, for example, online or in person, location

You can submit one appendix with an overview of programme activities and delivery methods to support your answer. It must be a PDF, up to four A4 pages long and no larger than 10MB in size. The font must be legible at 100% zoom.

Question 8. Project team and subcontractors

Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Describe:

• the roles, skills, and experience of all team members relevant to delivering high quality accelerator support for biomedical or life sciences SMEs

• the resources, equipment and facilities needed, and how you will access them

• the subcontractors critical to delivery, including past collaborations and outcomes

• any roles you plan to recruit and how they will enhance delivery and impact

• how you will create and leverage relevant innovation ecosystems, including investors, industry partners, clinicians, regulators, or trade associations, to maximise participant outcomes

You can submit one appendix with a short summary of the main people working on your project to support your answer. It must be a PDF, up to four A4 pages long and no larger than 10MB in size. The font must be legible at 100% zoom.

Question 9. Recruitment and application assessment process

What is the recruitment and application assessment process for your accelerator and how does it ensure fairness and inclusivity?

Describe:

• how you will attract, recruit, and support UK registered SMEs and spin-outs in biomedical and healthcare R&D sectors, and how you will ensure participants are appropriate for the accelerator stage applied for

• how you will ensure fair, inclusive recruitment and assessment

• how you will assess applicants’ readiness for early or late stage accelerators

• your management of any conflict of interests

• evidence from previous programmes demonstrating successful SME selection and progression

You can submit an appendix to support your answer. It must be a PDF, up to two A4 pages long and no larger than 10MB in size. The font must be legible at 100% zoom.

Question 10. Risks

What are the main risks for this project?

Describe:

• main risks and uncertainties, including delivery, SME engagement, regulatory, commercial and managerial risks

• mitigation strategies

• critical inputs such as expertise, data, and resources

• how regulatory or ethical requirements will be managed

• how risks could impact delivery outcomes and SME impact

You can submit a risk register as an appendix to support your answer. It must be a PDF, up to two A4 pages long and no larger than 10MB in size. The font must be legible at 100% zoom.

Question 11. Costs and value for money

How much will each accelerator programme cost for cohorts of 10-20 UK SMEs and how does it represent value for money for the taxpayer?

In terms of your project goals, explain:

• your total eligible project costs per cohort of 10-20 UK SMEs

• your breakdown of costs across the programme per activity and for each subcontractor, if applicable

• how this project represents value for money for you and the taxpayer

Question 12. Evaluation of the accelerator

Describe:

• your methodology, metrics and criteria for evaluating accelerator success

• how you will identify areas for improvement and adapt content to SME needs

• post-accelerator feedback, mechanisms and how outcomes informed future programme design

• examples from previous programmes demonstrating measurable impact on biomedical or healthcare SMEs

You can submit evidence of previous accelerator delivery, evaluation and impact as an appendix to support your answer. It must be a PDF, up to two A4 pages long and no larger than 10MB in size. The font must be legible at 100% zoom.

Assessment

Your application will be reviewed by three independent assessors based on the content of your application and their skills or expertise relevant to your project. All of the scores awarded will count towards the total score used to make the funding decision unless you are notified otherwise.

You can find out more about our assessment process in the General Guidance.

Your submitted application will be assessed against these criteria:

Biomedical Catalyst Accelerator Provider Pool EoI- early and late stage - Assessor guidance for applicants.pdf (opens in a new window)

Background and further information

The Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst (BMC) programme helps micro, small and medium sized businesses test, develop, and accelerate innovative healthcare and life sciences solutions, including therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health.

By awarding grants and providing support at different stages of development, the BMC programme enables businesses to progress their ideas, secure investment, and speed up the delivery of new products and services to market.

The BMC programme supports both academic and commercially led R&D, helping UK SMEs and spin-outs grow and position themselves as global leaders in the life sciences sector. It has a strong track record of delivering accelerator programmes, bootcamps, and other structured business support interventions that build capability, technical readiness, and investability within participating businesses.

This EoI seeks to establish a multi-year Accelerator Provider Pool to deliver structured accelerator activities under the BMC brand or wider Innovate UK health and life sciences programmes. Providers will support cohorts of UK based life sciences SMEs, helping them develop credible initial propositions and prepare to apply for subsequent feasibility stage R&D funding.

Providers may leverage wider life sciences networks, including investors, industry partners and trade associations, where aligned with programme objectives.

Briefing recording and slides

Briefing recording and slides will be available to download here after the briefing event.

If your application is successful

If you have passed your initial assessment you will receive a notification and the assessor feedback on the Innovation Funding Service (IFS).

If your application is unsuccessful

If you are unsuccessful with your application this time, you can view feedback from the assessors. This will be available to you on your IFS portal following notification.

Sometimes your application will have scored well, and you will receive positive comments from the assessors. You may be unsuccessful as your average score was not above the funding threshold or your project has not been selected under the portfolio approach if this is applied for this competition.

We would like to remind you that eligible non-funded business can still benefit from fully funded and bespoke support from the Innovate UK Business Growth service.

Support for SMEs from Innovate UK Business Growth service

Innovate UK Business Growth helps innovation focused businesses make the best strategic choices and access the right resources, in order to grow and ultimately achieve scale.

Our innovation and growth specialists provide our fully funded and bespoke support to Innovate UK competition winners. Visit the service’s website to learn about how you might benefit as a winner.

Protecting your innovation

A Secure Innovation campaign has been developed to help founders and leaders of innovative startups protect their technology, competitive advantage, and reputation.

This was developed by UK’s National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

Data sharing

This competition is operated by Innovate UK.

Innovate UK is directly accountable to you for its holding and processing of your information, including any personal data and confidential information. Data is held in accordance with our own policies.

Innovate UK may also share any relevant information submitted and produced during the application process concerning your application with Innovate UK’s national and regional UK third parties and partners who may contact you. For more information see how we handle grant applicant and grant holder data.

Innovate UK and Innovate UK Business Connect will be data controllers for personal data submitted during the application.

Innovate UK’s Privacy Policy

Innovate UK Business Connect Privacy Policy

Innovate UK complies with the requirements of UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, and is committed to upholding data protection legislation, and protecting your information in accordance with data protection principles.

The Information Commissioner’s Office also has a useful guide for organisations, which outlines the data protection principles.

Contact us

If you need more information about how to apply or you want to submit your application in Welsh, email support@iuk.ukri.org or call 0300 321 4357.

Our phone lines are open from 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm UK time, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).

Innovate UK or any of our partners will not tolerate abusive language in any written or verbal correspondence, applications, social media or any other form that might affect staff.