Highlights from the Innovate UK Future Medicines Accelerator

LYVA Labs was pleased to reflect on the delivery of the Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst Accelerator Future Medicines programme. Funded by Innovate UK’s flagship Biomedical Catalyst, this six-month accelerator was designed to support SMEs working in advanced therapeutics and radiopharmaceuticals.

Beginning in November 2025, 33 companies were onboarded onto a Pre-Accelerator programme; of these companies, 17 were chosen for the Accelerator programme. The programme provided tailored guidance for companies, access to funded technical support, to refine their innovations, assess market potential, and prepare for securing funding. 

This was delivered in partnership with Bionow, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, Centre for Process Innovation, Future Medicines Institute, Infection Innovation Consortium, Medicine Discovery Catapult, Microbiome Innovation Centre, UK National Nuclear Lab.

The programme concluded at the end of March 2026 with two days of activity in Liverpool, bringing the cohort together to mark the end of the programme. On Wednesday 26th March, participants took part in a pitch bootcamp, which featured insights from AstraZeneca on how startups can effectively engage with pharma and what large industry organisations look for in early-stage collaborations. Companies then participated in pitching sessions, receiving valuable feedback from AstraZeneca representatives. The day also included a session led by the LYVA Labs investment team, which highlighted the often-overlooked process of what happens after pitching, from receiving a term sheet through to securing the funds.

The evening provided an opportunity for investors, partners, and founders to connect over celebratory food and drinks, recognising the progress and connections made throughout the programme and building momentum ahead of the final pitch day. The following day, the cohort pitched their innovations at Central Tech in Liverpool to an audience of investors, partners, and industry stakeholders. The pitch day was a great success, with a strong sense of energy and enthusiasm in the room, reflecting both the quality of the companies and the progress achieved over the six months.

"It has been a pleasure for LYVA Labs to deliver the Future Medicines Accelerator through Innovate UK funding, and giving us the opportunity to support such high quality of companies that have the ability to transform the Future Medicines landscape. It has not only allowed LYVA Labs to expand our reach, and network nationally, but given us the opportunity to bring world-leading organisations and new investors into the region" ~ Rachel Lawless LYVA Labs Business Growth Manager

What's next

Over the coming months, the cohort will be applying for the closed Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst Grant Call, with the aim of securing £100,000 undiluted funding, building on the funded technical projects carried out during the programme.

This Accelerator is funded by Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst. Innovate UK is creating a better future by inspiring, involving and investing in businesses developing life-changing innovations.