Scientist and entrepreneur, Dr Harry Destecroix, has unveiled Science Creates, the deep tech ecosystem that offers specialised incubator space, a £15 million investment fund and a comprehensive network of strategic partners to nurture science and engineering start-ups and spin-outs. The world-class hub, in partnership with the University of Bristol and located in the heart of the city, is set to become the ‘new West Coast’, transforming disruptive discoveries through impactful commercialisation.
Dr Harry Destecroix, founder of Science Creates, explains: “Where a discovery is made has a huge bearing on whether it’s successfully commercialised. While founding my own start-up, Ziylo, I became aware of just how many discoveries failed to emerge from the lab in Bristol alone. No matter the quality of the research and discovery, the right ecosystem is fundamental if we are going to challenge the global 90% failure rate of science start-ups[1], and create many more successful ventures.”
Science Creates grew out of the original incubator, Unit DX, that Harry set up in collaboration with the University of Bristol in 2017 to commercialise companies like his own, Ziylo, which aimed to develop one of the first smart insulins to help people suffering with diabetes. In 2018, Ziylo was purchased by pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk in a deal potentially worth $800 million and Harry saw the opportunity to expand his incubator into an ecosystem that invests in and supports other exciting deep tech innovations.
The Science Creates ecosystem comprises:
Science Creates Incubators: Today, Unit DX houses 37 scientific and engineering companies working with technologies that will help improve healthcare, the environment around us and quality of life. The opening of a second incubator, Unit DY, close to Bristol Temple Meads train station, will enable the ecosystem to support 100 companies which could provide 450 jobs and brings Science Creates’ physical footprint across the two units to 45,000 sq ft.
Science Creates Ventures: Science Creates Ventures launches with its first fund, a £15 million venture capital fund offering start-up investment. The fund is supported and backed by successful Bristol-based entrepreneurs behind some of the South-West’s biggest deep tech exits. Despite being a new fund and the challenging fundraising environment, the Science Creates Ventures EIS Fund has raised significantly more than many other EIS Funds, according to figures from www.taxefficientreview.com.
Science Creates Network: Network is a portfolio of strategic partners, mentors and advisors specifically tailored to the needs of science and engineering start-ups. The breadth and depth of these circles of expertise will continue to grow and flourish, creating a connected community of support that adds value to deep tech companies and a sustainable platform for teams to partner with Science Creates in the future.