TechBio Boost - pushing the envelope of innovation

The TechBio Boost Accelerator Program, launched by KQ Labs and the BioIndustry Association (BIA) at The Francis Crick Institute is a 12-week initiative designed to propel early-stage biotech companies working at the intersection of biology and data technologies. This curated group represents the future of techbio, blending biology, data, and innovation.

This program offers workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities with investors and industry leaders, culminating in a Demo Day on December 10, 2024, at the Francis Crick Institute in London, where these companies will present to investors and industry professionals. Funded by the UK government and supported by London & Partners, TechBio Boost aims to fortify London's position as a global hub for biotech innovation.

Key Figures Driving Success

KQ Labs: A leading accelerator that supports data-driven health startups with mentoring, ￡40,000 in funding, and access to expert networks. KQ Labs is pivotal in enabling companies to scale and reach their goals.

BioIndustry Association (BIA): A driving force in the UK's biotech landscape, BIA provides policy advocacy, ecosystem development, and skill-building programs for member companies.

The Francis Crick Institute: As one of Europe’s largest biomedical research centres, the Crick fosters discovery and innovation, providing the perfect backdrop for nurturing emerging biotech companies.

The program thrives under the leadership of Barbara Domayne-Hayman from KQ Labs, known for her expertise in scaling health-tech companies. Emma Fox and Beth Massam are at the helm, along with other industry veterans, provide hands-on mentorship, ensuring startups are well-positioned for growth.

Strengthening the Ecosystem

The TechBio Boost program not only highlights individual company achievements but also underscores the collaborative efforts of KQ Labs, BIA, and the Crick Institute in shaping a resilient biotech ecosystem. Through initiatives like these, London solidifies its status as a global leader in health-tech innovation.

There are 30 Companies of TechBio Boost 2024

This year has a stellar line up, and it has been humbling experience to advise and mentor on a program that spotlights diverse startups, each pushing the envelope of innovation. Here’s a brief look at some of the cohort that I have had the pleasure of getting to know:

1. Baseimmune: Accelerating the discovery of novel and cross-protective vaccines
2. Genevation LTD : Innovating in gene-editing technologies for precision medicine.
3. Kuano: Combining target quantum mapping and AI led chemistry to enable faster development of better drug candidates.
4. Macusoft: Clinical decision support system for the optimal management of preventable sight threatening eye conditions
5. Mitra Bio: Replacing invasive biopsies with non-invasive skin testing
6. MultiplAI Health Redefining pathology analysis with robust AI platforms.
7. Oppilotech Laboratory Services: A unique predictive computational modelling platform, which provides new, high resolution insights into treating diseases
8. OutSee: Transforming ophthalmology diagnostics with machine learning.
9. PharmEnable Tx: Designing small molecules for challenging drug targets using cutting-edge computational methods.
10. SokerData Ltd: ‘Plugging a data gap’ in real world evidence with a focus on genomic and proteomic datasets linked to clinical outcomes available from under-represented groups across diseases starting with breast cancer
11. Xenos Bio: Deciphering the language of proteins with AI to discover novel therapeutics