STFC backs 10 pioneering health start-ups at Daresbury Laboratory

Ten pioneering health start-ups are tackling some of the world’s toughest healthcare challenges, from lung cancer to eye disease, at the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) Daresbury Laboratory.

The companies are the latest to join DeepTech Catalyst Health, helping start-ups bring innovative new ideas to market faster, improving lives and enabling success in global health markets.

From a simple blood test for earlier cancer detection to predicting heart disease years in advance with artificial intelligence (AI), these innovators are revolutionising healthcare to improve outcomes and reduce pressure on the NHS.

Driving innovation in healthcare

Paul Vernon, Head of STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory, said:

“From early disease detection to advanced therapies, STFC is proud to support UK start-ups tackling society’s most pressing health challenges.

Through world class facilities, expert guidance and collaboration opportunities, the Health BIC enables innovators turn breakthrough science into real-world healthcare solutions and to succeed in global markets.

By supporting these start-ups, we’re helping to deliver life-saving technologies, create high-value jobs, strengthen the UK economy and improve the health and wellbeing of our communities.”

Regional prosperity

Councillor Liam Robinson, Liverpool City Region (LCR) Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Innovation, said:

“This latest group of start-ups joining the Health Business Incubation Centre perfectly exemplify why we were so excited to support it through our Innovation Zone programme.

These young companies are finding solutions to major health issues, right here in our city region.

By nurturing these growing businesses through the difficult early days we can help them to create high-quality jobs in the future as well as prosperity for our city region as a whole.”

From lab to market

Located at Sci-Tech Daresbury in the Liverpool City Region, the programme provides start-ups with a tailored support package worth up to £70,000, helping them turn breakthrough ideas into real-world healthcare solutions faster.

Launched in 2024 with £1.8 million from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Innovation Zone Programme, DeepTech Catalyst Health sits within the growing North West Health Cluster, giving start-ups access to resources rarely available at an early stage.

These include AI and prototyping facilities, expert business guidance, and intellectual property support, to accelerate the development of products that benefit patients, create jobs, and strengthen the UK’s health innovation ecosystem.

Solving problems that matter

The latest start-ups to join DeepTech Catalyst Health are developing:

• a minimally invasive blood test for early lung cancer detection
• an AI-powered heart failure prediction, giving clinicians years of early warning
• discreet oral implant providing mask-free therapy for sleep apnea
• a new class of therapies designed to advance the treatment of eye diseases
• a support device for patients with advanced heart failure unable to undergo surgery or transplant
• next-generation biologics that reduce inflammation and guide tissue repair
• a patented method for safer, scalable microbiome therapies
• immersive audio simulations of patient stories to build empathy in healthcare professionals
• a doctor-reviewed platform combining blood tests, lifestyle medicine, and behavioural science for longer, healthier lives
• AI-powered platform connecting health systems and services to deliver personalised care

Preparing for global markets

The 10 companies are the second cohort to join DeepTech Catalyst Health this year, with the first group having joined in April.

One of those businesses, Apnea Tech is developing an AI solution for sleep apnea.

Since joining the funded programme, it is already achieving international recognition, being the first UK company to gain support of the MedTech Catapult in Singapore.

From science to market success

The Health programme is part of STFC’s nationwide network of technology commercialisation programmes, collectively known as the STFC Deep Tech Catalyst, collaborating with industry-leading partners in specialised fields.

In 2024 alone, the programmes generated £78 million in economic impact. Since 2011, the programme has contributed more than £350 million and helped over 150 businesses thrive.

Get involved

Businesses interested in joining DeepTech Catalyst Health should:

• be based in the Liverpool City Region
• be less than five years old
• have a focus on health and life sciences

For further information contact: health_bic_enquires@stfc.ac.uk