BioCity, the UK’s largest life science incubator has been appointed by Newcastle City Council to run a life science accelerator and business support programme from The Biosphere, which is based on Newcastle Helix.
The programme is being delivered by BioCity from The Biosphere, a brand new purpose-built 90,000 sq. ft commercial lab and office facility located on Newcastle Helix.
BioCity will focus on creating and growing small businesses, through the acceleration of entrepreneurial activity and the commercialisation of ideas within life sciences. The overall aim is to accelerate the rate of start-ups and enable faster commercialisation of new products and services.
The Biosphere provides a home for ambitious companies within life sciences and innovation, research and development and it is hoped this programme will help entrepreneurs to develop, launch and grow new life science businesses.
BioCity has 15 years’ experience developing and growing life science companies and has supported hundreds of entrepreneurs to create businesses. They will facilitate the commercialisation of products and services, delivering several workshops around networking, connectivity, skills and acceleration.
They will deliver a series of events, that will test the commercial viability of ideas. In addition, they will offer bespoke support and advice on securing funding, establishing a network of experts and upskilling management teams to ensure the long-term sustainability of new and existing businesses.
Cllr Ged Bell, Cabinet Member for employment, Newcastle City Council said: “It’s all about creating the right environment for new, ambitious and growing life science businesses to grow and thrive. Thanks to vital funding from the European Regional Development Fund this programme will play a crucial role in supporting our city to create a dynamic fast-growing life science sector. This will not only support our ambition for long-term economic growth within the life sciences sector, it will accelerate demand for The Biosphere and demand for future phases.
The development of commercial lab space and the launch of this accelerator programme underpins Newcastle’s commitment to the sector and provides us with a platform to build a strong and internationally recognised life science sector. This accelerator programme directly facilitates the creation of new sustainable life science businesses and we are delighted to have BioCity on board.”
Toby Reid, CEO of BioCity Group, added: “The Biosphere is an exciting new development for the life sciences sector in the North East and we are delighted to have been selected to run its Accelerator Programme. Newcastle has a growing reputation for health and life sciences and with the largest NHS Hospital Trusts outside of London and the strength of the local universities; we believe there is a huge potential for new and ambitious life sciences ventures as well as help existing ones to scale.”
The Biosphere has secured significant funding through the current European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Government’s Local Growth Deal through the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). Both funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations.
Newcastle Helix brings together industry leaders, businesses and top researchers in an innovation community. It is fast becoming a test bed for new ideas, innovative technologies and solutions that will tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing cities around the world.
BioCity will deliver a series of events and taster sessions at The Biosphere starting in February and will host an Accelerator Programme on the 23rd – 25th April.
Click here for more information and a full list of upcoming dates.
