Sandwich, Kent, UK / Eleven early-stage companies working in oncology have started ‘Discovery Spark’, a free seven week development programme hosted by leading science and innovation campus Discovery Park, in Sandwich, Kent.
Designed to offer start-ups the skills and tools to lay healthy foundations in their business, refine their commercial strategy and achieve investor readiness, all 11 businesses will be put through their paces to enable future success and growth.
Supported by Capital Enterprise Network, Cancer Tech Accelerator, NHS Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance and the University of Kent, Discovery Park’s latest Discovery Spark programme has an oncology theme. The 11 entrepreneurial businesses securing a coveted spot on this cohort and looking to advance their organisation are:
- AssureDrop
- Cancer IVD
- DeepInfinity
- ExoNostic
- Nexokine Therapeutics
- NYSCHEY
- PNAS Therapeutics
- Protalea Bio
- Qinara
- Rokalin Pharmaceuticals
- Roxy Health
By leveraging Discovery Park’s top facilities, people and networks, candidates gain valuable insights from industry experts and successful founder ambassadors, exchange experiences with fellow founders, and build meaningful connections.
Discovery Park is already home to a number of businesses working in oncology and this year the Park will welcome a new steering group with Michelle Garrett, Professor of Cancer Therapeutics in the School of Biosciences at the University of Kent and visiting Professor of Cancer Therapeutics at the Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK. Alongside Professor Michelle Garrett the steering group is supported by NHS Cancer Alliance and Capital Enterprise Network.
As well as developing valuable skills, one Discovery Spark candidate will secure a spot in the prestigious CRUK-funded Cancer Tech Accelerator Bootcamp and be awarded the opportunity of free lab space at Discovery Park with access to a business support and mentoring package worth over £50,000.
Lotus Qi, Chief Operating Officer, Capital Enterprise Network, added: “Discovery Spark is an excellent programme and invaluable resource for early stage companies. It’s great to shine a spotlight on innovators within oncology and we’re proud to support this cohort throughout the seven weeks and offer one candidate a place in the Cancer Tech Accelerator (CTA) at the end of the programme. CTA is incredibly close to my heart, it connects the wider UK MedTech landscape and supports start-ups in the shared ambition to beat cancer and improve lives.”
Discovery Park’s Head of Innovation & Venture Development, Renos Savva, who leads the Discovery Spark programme, said: “It’s a great privilege to work with such enthusiastic and talented individuals working on innovative technologies and health platforms. The 11 businesses have been selected from a highly competitive pool of oncology innovators and it’s exciting to think what these businesses can achieve with the right support and infrastructure.
“At Discovery Park, we’re building a thriving oncology innovation community, providing tailored business support, expert mentorship, and world-class facilities. We have several cancer tech businesses growing on site already and it’s fantastic to bolster that ecosystem further through our latest Spark programme.”
For more information on Discovery Park and the support available to businesses visit discovery-park.co.uk.
