We partner with innovators across the sector, helping them turn bold scientific ideas into real-world impact.
Our model supports drug discovery companies at every step, from early research through to commercialisation, by providing access to world-class science, laboratories, technologies, and expertise.
We de-risk drug discovery, run collaborative R&D partnerships, and reinvest in our sector to drive growth.
“Working at the frontier of drug discovery, we transform pioneering science into commercial breakthroughs that address unmet patient needs. Our work improves people’s lives, strengthens the impact of the Life Sciences sector, and enhances the health of our society and economy.”
Dr Mike Strange, Interim Chief Executive Officer
Our mission is to ensure every move drug discovery innovators make counts.
That means reducing risk, speeding up timelines, validating technologies, and turning promising ideas into investable propositions. We support:
Since launch, we have supported 389 companies, unlocking over £1.8bn in R&D investment and helping get technologies to market faster.
Our team of 140+ scientists, technologists and strategists work across:
We help innovators navigate the drug discovery process, from:
With expertise across modalities, including:
In therapeutic areas such as:
We are a trusted, mission-driven partner in the drug discovery ecosystem, connecting innovation to infrastructure, insights, and investment.
We design smart, translational R&D roadmaps to get ideas safely to patients.
We drive impact through our national programmes with partners to target urgent global health challenges:
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The Innovate UK Catapult Network exists to accelerate innovation and drive inclusive growth to benefit society, the economy and the environment.
Backed by Innovate UK, the network helps businesses to turn great ideas into valuable products and services at unprecedented levels. It comprises of nine world-leading technology and innovation centres, operating across more than 65 locations nationwide.
The Catapults work with businesses of all sizes, from start-ups to global enterprises, helping them to understand the challenges they face, develop and test new ideas, and improve their business performance.
Each Catapult plays a vital role in creating, commercialising, adopting and diffusing innovation to accelerate business and market growth and deliver meaningful impact across the UK and beyond.
Catapult NetworkFrom supporting early-stage SMEs to partnering with global organisations, we ensure each step in drug discovery is productive, purposeful, and aligned with patient needs.
See how we can help support you with your next drug discovery project.
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