Mark Anderson
The biotechnology industry continually strives to provide innovative solutions to our most pressing health and environmental challenges. The potential for life-altering discoveries and transformative technologies make it one of the most exciting and dynamic fields for startups. The United Kingdom, with its rich history of scientific innovation and robust healthcare infrastructure, is a vibrant hub for biotech newcomers. Below we delve into a selection of UK startups, founded in 2020 or later, that are making waves in the biotechnology sector.
Operational in various subfields of biotechnology, these startups are exploring everything from cellular agriculture to advanced gene therapies, digital diagnostics, and immunotherapeutics. It is exciting to see the breadth and depth of research in the UK biotech sector, as these startups push the boundaries of science to create novel products, therapies and solutions.
Across the board, these firms underscore the UK’s status as a powerhouse of biotech innovation. Building on the country’s strong research base, business-friendly environment, and a well-developed life sciences ecosystem, these firms paint a vibrant picture of the UK biotech scene.
Hoxton Farms
Founded by Ed Steele and Max Jamilly, Hoxton Farms is a biotechnology startup based in London. The company is pioneering methods of growing real animal fat without the need for animals, which could revolutionise the meat alternatives industry. Their approach combines cell biology with mathematical modelling to create edible fats – a prime ingredient for alternative meat products. Find them on LinkedIn.
Dunad Therapeutics
London-based biopharmaceutical company, Dunad Therapeutics was founded by Diana Kraskouskaya and Patrick T. Gunning. This biotech startup is focused on developing the next generation of targeted protein degradation therapies. Their advanced pharmaceutical solutions are aimed to contribute significantly to the broader field of protein-degradation-based medicines.
Bactobio
Bactobio, helmed by Daniel Blicher Holst Hansen, is using revolutionary technologies in synthetic biology, next-gen sequencing and machine learning to harvest novel microbes for medical and industrial applications. The London-based startup aims to solve the antibiotic resistance crisis by discovering new antibiotic classes targeting urgent bacterial pathogens. Engage with them on LinkedIn.
Cyted
Operating out of Cambridge, Cyted, founded by Marcel Gehrung and Rebecca Fitzgerald, provides digital diagnostic infrastructure aimed at enabling the earlier detection of diseases. Utilising artificial intelligence and novel biomarkers, Cyted seeks to improve patient outcomes significantly. They aim to revolutionise diagnostic methods and build a world where disease is prevented rather than treated. Follow them on LinkedIn.
Purespring Therapeutics
Moin Saleem’s London-based startup, Purespring Therapeutics, is an AAV gene therapy company that’s focusing on the kidney. Given the high prevalence of kidney-related conditions, Purespring’s efforts could have revolutionary outcomes. They are known to be progressing rapidly for the successful establishment of kidney-centric gene therapy. Follow them on LinkedIn.
Mestag Therapeutics
Enlisted amongst the promising startups, Cambridge-based Mestag Therapeutics, founded by Prof. Michael B. Brenner, utilises fibroblast technology to develop innovative therapies for various diseases. They specialise in targeting the fibroblast sector to develop new therapies, making a substantial contribution to the biotech sector. Check out their LinkedIn.
Duke Street Bio
Duke Street Bio is a London-based biopharma startup involved in the development of medicinal drugs to provide improved treatment to cancer patients. The company is a newcomer to the UK biotech scene, having been established in 2020, and is poised to make significant contributions to the field of cancer therapeutics. Follow them on LinkedIn.
Kynos Therapeutics
Edinburgh-based Kynos Therapeutics develops KMO inhibitors targeting key indications in inflammation, immunity, and metabolism. The company’s unique approach exemplifies the innovative techniques emerging in the UK’s burgeoning biotech industry. Learn more about them on LinkedIn.
Animal Alternative Technologies
Founded by Clarisse Beurrier and Yash Mishra, Cambridge-based Animal Alternative Technologies is a biotech start-up aiming to democratise access to sustainable food. Using technology, they are engineering a scalable, end-to-end ecosystem for Cultured Meat production. The company has a range of services including specialist processes, enabling technologies, software, hardware, and raw materials. Check them out on LinkedIn.
Macomics
Macomics is an immuno-oncology company based in Edinburgh. Founded by Coral Ries, Jeffrey Pollard, Luca Cassetta, and S. Myatt, they focus on developing novel, first-in-class immunotherapies designed to modulate macrophages and increase the body’s immune defence against tumours. Find them on LinkedIn.
Kuano
Kuano is a London-based startup that provides innovative quantum and AI solutions for drug discovery and design. Founded by David Wright, Jarryl D’Oyley, Parminder Ruprah, and Vid Stojevic, their platform combines target quantum mapping and AI-led chemistry to speed up the development of drug candidates. Connect with them on LinkedIn.
These startups represent just a fraction of the exciting work happening in the UK’s biotechnology sector. As they continue to grow and innovate, we look forward to seeing their contributions to medicine, environmental sustainability, and more.
