The Microbials Accelerator, launched by LYVA Labs and BioNow with partners including iiCON, University of Liverpool, Centre for Process Innovation (CPI), and Health Innovation Northwest Coast, aimed to support SMEs developing microbiome, biofilm, and phage technologies. The program offered ten companies critical business support, clinical advice, and guidance on securing Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst funding.
Objectives
• Equip SMEs with skills and expertise to scale their businesses.
• Assist in applying for up to £100k in Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst funding.
• Provide a comprehensive support package, including technical and business advice.
Results
• Funding Success: Nine companies secured £1 million in Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst funding for R&D and commercialisation.
• Ongoing Projects: Oxford Sim Cells (OSC) received support to develop preclinical vaccine candidates in collaboration with iiCON, using a novel approach with genome-free bacteria.
Impact
The Microbials Accelerator successfully advanced SME capabilities, facilitated significant funding, and fostered valuable partnerships, exemplified by OSC’s continued innovation and development.
“Exploring new technologies and creative collaborations that will deliver next-generation treatments is at the heart of iiCON’s mission. We’re therefore delighted to be collaborating with Lyva Labs on this targeted support programme, which will give SMEs and those with new ideas access to a variety of really impactful benefits, such as the ability to upscale and overcome product development obstacles.” Janet Hemingway, Founding Director iiCON