Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst

Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst: Spearheading Innovation in Life Sciences

Formed through a collaborative effort by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), GlaxoSmithKline, Wellcome, and Innovate UK, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst (SBC) is a cornerstone in the life sciences industry. Its close connections with ecosystems in London and Cambridge position it as a globally recognised hub, fostering collaboration among academics, biotech, and pharma organisations.

Expansion and Growth:

• Major European Life Science Campus: In 2023, SBC, in partnership with Forge, announced an expansion to become one of Europe's largest life science campuses, featuring a prominent cluster of cell and gene therapy companies outside the USA.
• Elevate Quarter Development: The upcoming 1.6 million square foot campus, a partnership between UBS Asset Management and Reef Group, will offer state-of-the-art office, lab, and manufacturing facilities, expected to create up to 5,000 jobs.

Support for Scaleups:

• Comprehensive Resources: SBC provides lab and office space, access to scientific and business expertise, peer networks, mentoring, and funding.
• Specialist Facilities: Scaleups benefit from facilities like a dedicated Catapult onsite training lab and the DATA accelerator programme, which enhances business and commercial skills.
• Industry Connections: SBC connects scaleups with investors, offering private conversations with industry experts.
• Lab Hotel: This innovative offering allows eight scaleups a year to access laboratory space, with many continuing to expand within SBC.

Impact and Achievements:

• Robust Company Hosting: Since 2012, SBC has hosted 92 scaling companies, with 65 holding occupational leases and 27 virtual leases.
• Job Creation and Accelerated Development: In 2023, SBC companies created 884 jobs and reported accelerated product development and research timelines.

Focus on Talent Development:

• Active Apprenticeships: SBC hosts around 13 active apprenticeships, in addition to collaborations with GSK.
• Educational Initiatives: Initiatives like Generation Stevenage and LifeArc support apprenticeships, training, and career opportunities, including placements for students and PhD CASE students.

Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst stands as a beacon of innovation and growth in the life sciences sector, playing a pivotal role in accelerating product development and nurturing talent. Its blend of state-of-the-art facilities, expert guidance, and strong industry connections make it an ideal environment for life sciences companies to scale and thrive.