The BBSRC-STFC DeepTech Catalyst Bio (DTC Bio) is a business incubator programme designed to support early-stage biotechnology start-ups in achieving their commercial potential.

Overview

DTC Bio provides early-stage biotechnology companies with funding, expert support, and access to UKRI research campuses. The programme is funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). It was formerly called the BBSRC-STFC Biotechnology Business Incubation Centre (Bio BIC).

Funding and Benefits

• R&D funding: £50,000
• Innovation voucher: £10,000 for R&D activity
• Technical, commercial, business, and intellectual property support
• Networking opportunities and introductions to investors, customers, and key sector stakeholders
• Access to a number of UKRI campuses, including STFC Sci-Tech Daresbury campus, BBSRC campuses of Rothamsted Enterprises and AberInnovation, and additional specialist support from The Pirbright Institute

Eligibility

DTC Bio is open to UK-registered companies under five years old that are majority-owned by founders and employees. Eligible companies must have received one or more of the following:

• A BBSRC or other UKRI grant to support the research underpinning the product or service
• An Innovate UK or other UKRI commercialisation grant to take forward a bioscience innovation to address a market opportunity
• Support from a UKRI-supported accelerator or pre-incubation programme

The technology underpinning the products or services must be within BBSRC remit. The company must be beyond the concept stage of product development or market penetration, or both.

Applications based on medical or clinical devices and therapeutics being developed solely for a specific end-point clinical utility, including diagnostics, will not be accepted.

Research Areas and Activities

The technology must be building on previous support from BBSRC, UKRI, or a UKRI-supported accelerator or pre-incubation programme, and must take forward a bioscience innovation to address a clear market opportunity. The technology must be either:

• Biological in nature
• Interact with a biological entity
• Involve a biological process
• Address a biological challenge

Application Process

Applicants must submit an expression of interest (EOI) via the online application form. Each company may submit only one EOI. Following approval of the EOI, successful applicants will be invited to submit a full application and will be provided with the application template.

EOIs will be reviewed in phases according to the following deadlines:

• Tranche one: 23:59 on 26 June 2026
• Tranche two: 23:59 on 17 July 2026
• Tranche three (final): 23:59 on 16 August 2026

Applicants may request feedback on draft applications prior to the final application deadline. Early submission is strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to incorporate feedback and strengthen the final application.

Successful applicants will be invited to present at the in-person evaluation board taking place on 20 to 22 October 2026.

Deadline and Timeline

• Opening date: 11 May 2026, 9:00am UK time
• Webinar: 18 June 2026, 14:00 (register via the provided link)
• Closing date for EOIs: 16 August 2026, 23:59 UK time
• Final application deadline: 14 September 2026, 23:59 UK time

Contact Information

For questions about this funding opportunity, contact the DTC Bio team at bio_enquiries@stfc.ac.uk.

A webinar for potential applicants will be held on Thursday 18 June 2026 at 14:00, providing more information about the programme and a chance to ask questions.