A biotechnology start-up company, developing a low-cost diagnostic platform designed to accurately identify early-stage cancers, has chosen The EpiCentre in Haverhill as the base for its next stage of development
4fold Bioscience, founded by Duncan Brett and Ollie Miller, has taken a laboratory bench, plus office space at the innovation centre as the company develops its core technology and prototype instrument.
By enabling the analysis of a large number of multiomic biomarkers, the technology aims to eliminate the compromise between affordable and accurate testing – with the ultimate goal of saving over 100,000 lives a year.
4fold Biosciences’ ambition is to develop a fast, affordable system to be used in GP surgeries, pharmacies and community diagnostic centres, supporting the hospital-to-community transition and reducing health inequalities. The company is currently self-funded but in the new year it plans to seek grants and investment to accelerate development.
The pair first met at Imperial College in 1997 and have been friends ever since. Duncan previously worked in banking and recently returned to the UK after several years in Spain. Ollie brings extensive biotechnology and technology experience from many years working at Illumina at Granta Park, near Cambridge. Together they are combining their scientific and commercial expertise to further develop this novel technology.
For Duncan and Ollie, choosing The EpiCentre was about more than simply finding affordable space. “We looked at a number of laboratories and incubator facilities in and around Cambridge, but quickly discovered that finding somewhere offering both office space and access to the specialist laboratory equipment we needed was not straightforward. The EpiCentre really stood out,” they said. “The EpiCentre team were genuinely interested in what we were trying to achieve and were incredibly accommodating. When we explained the equipment we needed, including a qPCR machine and microscope, they went away and found a way to make it available to us. That level of personal support made a huge difference and ultimately made the decision very easy.”
The EpiCentre provided the combination they were looking for: a dedicated office, access to shared laboratory space and equipment, a flexible environment suited to an early-stage company, and a location that offered easy access to the wider Cambridge business and technology ecosystem.
Location was also a major consideration. Both founders live in villages south of Cambridge, and while they had several laboratory options within easy reach, Haverhill offered an attractive combination of accessibility and connectivity.
The founders believe modern working practices also mean a start-up does not necessarily need to be based in the centre of Cambridge to access its business ecosystem. With meetings increasingly taking place online, they can operate from Haverhill while still accessing Cambridge’s network of investors, lawyers, engineering businesses and life-science expertise.
“The days when you had to be physically in Cambridge so you could walk around the corner to meet an investor or a lawyer have largely gone,” said Ollie. “We can be based here, have the space and facilities we need, and still access the Cambridge ecosystem very easily.”
Helen Earl, Centre Manager at The EpiCentre, said: “One of our priorities is helping innovative science and technology businesses access the facilities, expertise and commercial environment they need to grow.
It’s particularly exciting to support a company like 4fold Bioscience at this fundamental stage of their journey, using our facilities to develop an innovative technology from the ground up. We pride ourselves on being flexible, responsive and genuinely invested in the success of our businesses.”
Gary Jennings, Innovation Director at The EpiCentre, added: “Early-stage businesses often need more than laboratory and office space. Our role is to help companies access the networks, expertise, funding opportunities and strategic connections that can accelerate their growth, and we’re delighted to be supporting 4fold Bioscience at this exciting stage.”
The EpiCentre provides offices, laboratory facilities and support for young and fast-growing businesses across a broad range of sectors. For 4fold Bioscience, its shared laboratory equipment and flexible approach is particularly attractive, while its Haverhill location provides easy access to Cambridge’s wider business, engineering, investment and life-sciences ecosystem.
Picture Credit: Helen Earl
