Science Creates

ABOUT

Founded in 2015 by exited entrepreneurs, Science Creates is a Deep Tech ecosystem that enables scientists and engineers to turn their groundbreaking discoveries into disruptive businesses that can revolutionise the health of people and the planet.

It supports its startup community with specialised lab space, expert training and mentoring, a network of partner organisations, and access to investment opportunities. Through its independent charity (Science Creates Outreach) and public events, it inspires the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs.

Since 2015, Science Creates has supported over 150 startups, which have raised over £350 million, and in 2025 it won the Tech South West award for Supporting the Sector.

How it started

Formerly known as Unit DX, Science Creates was born out of a need when Ziylo Co-Founder Harry Destecroix was unable to find the lab space needed in Bristol for the early-stage startup to continue developing its core technology disrupting diabetes treatment. So, he built a team around him to create their own Deep Tech incubator.

In 2018, a year after Science Creates’ first incubator opened with Ziylo as one of the first tenants, the startup was acquired by global healthcare company Novo Nordisk in one of the UK’s largest exits by an academic spinout. The success of the exit was then reinvested to continue growing the ecosystem for other Deep Tech founders experiencing similar hurdles in seeking to turn their discoveries into inventions.

Ecosystem of support

Science Creates has significantly grown in size and scope since its beginnings but the core principle that started it all remains the same. It now spans four pillars of activity that target key aspects of a startup’s journey — from lab bench to commercial scale — that work together to empower those who are reshaping our world through Deep Tech:

• Incubators – specialised lab, office and event space
• VC – early-stage investment
• Platform – training, resources and partnerships
• Outreach – STEM education and public engagement

Incubator sites

Science Creates’ total footprint spans over 75,000 sq ft of lab, office, meeting and event space in central Bristol across three sites:

St Philips

• 15,000 sq ft lab & office space
• 150-900+ sq ft lab offerings with 3.2m ceiling heights
• CL-2 labs & ducted fume cupboards
• Shared CL-2 bacterial growth suite

Old Market

• 30,000 sq ft of lab & office space
• 330-2,000+ sq ft lab offerings with 3.2m ceiling heights
• Designed for CL-2 activities
• Lab adjacent offices available
• Community events space & bar

OMX

• 30,000 sq ft of lab & office space
• 370-3,000+ sq ft lab offerings with 2.6-3m ceiling heights
• Designed for CL-2 activities
• Opening March 2026

Membership options across these sites include private labs and offices, as well as hot-desking, dedicated desks and bench spaces in shared labs — offering a range of flexibility for startups at different growth stages. This is alongside wrap-around facilities services and lab amenities that include a GM biosafety committee, hazardous waste disposal, autoclave access, gas cylinder storage and more.

Beyond lab space, Science Creates members also unlock ecosystem-wide benefits that include training and community events, mentorship opportunities, and access to expert partners across:

• Specialist lab support
• Legal
• IP & patents
• HR
• Talent & hiring
• Accounting, finance & banking
• Insurance
• Grant writing
• PR, marketing & communications
• Bespoke software

 For more information visit: www.sciencecreates.co.uk