Partners
Introduction
Accelerate@Babraham is supported by a core group of strategic partners and supporters. Their support enables us to deliver this ground-breaking programme year after year and their expertise, knowledge and connections open doors for our start-ups that would not ordinarily be possible.
The power of partnership
Now in its seventh year, Accelerate@Babraham has supported 32 early-stage enterprises and been recognised as one of the top 25 biotech incubators in Europe (LaBiotech, 2022). To date, Accelerate@Babraham companies have raised £72.5M, have a current portfolio value estimated at over £139M.
None of this would be possible without the support - both financial and strategic - of a core group of Strategic Partners, namely AstraZeneca, BioMed Realty, Eisai, Kidney Research UK,Lifearc and Novo Nordisk.
In addition, Accelerate@Babraham 2025 participants will benefit from a number of selected partnerships, specifically formed to strengthen and enhance the delivery of the programme through group sessions and 1:1s. Including:
- Medicines Discovery Catapult: Bringing additional experience and capabilities in pre-clinical and clinical therapeutic development.
- Triple Chasm: Enabling the application of systematic and standardised metrics to diagnose gaps, benchmark progress and measure the success of the programme – providing major insights and reducing bias across the programme.
As well as the invaluable strategic and delivery partner support, the wider Babraham Research Campus community also plays a critical role in the success of the programme. The Campus community enjoys a strong and rather unique bond and there is a definite ‘pay it forward’ mentality, which Accelerate@Babraham is extremely lucky to be able to harness to great effect. The programme would not be able to deliver the year-on-year depth of experience it does without the expertise, dedication and support of so many Campus companies, individuals and wider in-cluster connections.
AstraZeneca
A global, science-led pharmaceutical company, focused on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of unmet medical need in three main therapy areas: Oncology; Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM); and Respiratory and Immunology.
“Accelerate@Babraham is a great way not only to build relationships across the Cambridge ecosystem, but also to get early, informal feedback from big pharma in a supportive environment. If in doubt, apply!”
Laura Ferguson, Associate Director
BioMed Realty
A Blackstone portfolio company and leading provider of real estate solutions to the life science and technology industries.
“We are excited to become an official partner of this inspiring programme. The new partnership builds on our existing presence and strong relationship with the team at Babraham Research Campus and the Campus occupiers.
“Our ultimate goal is to help grow the Cambridge market, the life sciences industry and related employment opportunities in the UK through the provision of sustainable buildings and the cultivation of new talent and ideas – our involvement with Accelerate@Babraham will allow us to do exactly that.”
Orestis Tzortzoglou, Vice President, Development, UK Market, BioMed Realty
Eisai
A leading global research & development-based pharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan. Eisai delivers innovative products in various therapeutic areas with high unmet medical needs, including oncology and neurology.
“Eisai is delighted to support Accelerate@Babraham, and in doing so help to nurture the next generation of medicinal innovators. We believe that through supporting the vibrant UK innovation ecosystem, such as is being fostered by the Accelerate@Babraham initiative, we can accelerate the delivery of next-generation medicines to patients with unmet needs. A philosophy which we further support through our venture investment business. Eisai supports Accelerate@Babraham from our Hatfield Research Laboratories and this association complements our existing External Innovation collaborative working model."
Kazumasa Nagayama, Vice President Chief Strategy Officer, Eisai
Kidney Research UK
Kidney Research UK is the largest charity in the UK which funds research focused on the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease. The vision of the charity is to free lives from the restrictions, fear, anxiety and life limiting nature of kidney disease.
LifeArc
LifeArc is a self-funded medical research charity, whose mission is to advance translation of early science into health care treatments or diagnostics that can be taken through to full development and made available to patients.
“LifeArc is committed to nurturing new life science ventures in the Cambridge cluster and the wider UK life science sector. Our support of the ‘Accelerate@Babraham’ initiative enables more scientists to develop their ideas and research solutions that could potentially benefit patients.”
Enrique Millan, Investment Principal, LifeArc
Medicines Discovery Catapult (MDC)
Medicines Discovery Catapult is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that is reshaping drug discovery for patient benefit. MDC supports the drug discovery industry, SMEs, and innovators in transforming great UK science into better treatments through partnerships.
“Medicines Discovery Catapult are excited to support Accelerate@Babraham. The programme is an amazing opportunity for early-stage innovators to gain invaluable commercial and scientific insights to accelerate their innovations. Medicines Discovery Catapult is passionate about supporting life science innovation across the UK and look forward to working with innovators on the programme to identify opportunities, optimise their resources and de-risk their programmes.”
Dr Sally-Ann Emmas, Lead Scientist, Medicines Discovery Catapult
Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company, founded in 1923 and headquartered just outside Copenhagen, Denmark. Its purpose is to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases, built upon its heritage in diabetes. It does so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to its medicines and working to prevent and ultimately cure the diseases it treats.
“Accelerate@Babraham is a unique opportunity to tap into the world class Cambridge ecosystem and the top-class science coming out of Babraham Research Campus. The programme is exciting as a means to support translation of high impact science.”
Daniel B Timmermann
Vice President, Innovation Outreach
Global Drug Discovery
Triple Chasm
A data-led company focused on the provision of tools, programmes and bespoke services to support the successful commercialisation of disruptive innovation.
“We are delighted to be working with the Babraham team and fellow strategic partners to help the selected early-stage innovators successfully commercialise their innovative new ideas for the benefit of patients and wider society.”
Uday Phadke, CEO, Triple Chasm Company
Supporters
Accelerate@Babraham enjoys a high level of support from organisations on Campus, within the Cambridge life science cluster and beyond. These organisations offer their time, experience and expertise to our start-up ventures and we are extremely grateful for their continued support.
