A series of events was held on 6th July to celebrate the some of the breakthrough science being undertaken on campus including a science symposium, celebration lunch and scientific poster exhibition.
- Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst celebrates its 10th anniversary
- Events focus on the cutting-edge science of our occupier companies
- The campus is now at the heart of the biggest cluster for cell and gene therapy in Europe
Dr Sally Ann Forsyth OBE, CEO of SBC, said, “The last decade has seen phenomenal growth and acceleration within the biotech industry. Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst has been instrumental to some of these developments, consolidating its position as a leading location for life sciences companies to develop and commercialise cutting edge therapeutics. As the campus develops, we are excited to be working with UBS Asset Management and Reef Group, the newly appointed investor and co-developer, as well as partners and stakeholders, to become one of Europe’s largest life science campuses.
“Over the last 10 years, we have supported over 70 companies, creating an exciting, knowledgeable and collegiate community where interaction and collaboration are the norm. It was wonderful to see so many occupiers come together to discuss their tremendous scientific developments at our 10th anniversary celebrations.”
Set up in 2012, SBC provides a range of critical facilities, services and a supportive environment for early stage and maturing life science companies engaged in the commercial development of precision medicines arising from research.
It offers start-ups and rapidly growing firms flexible laboratory and office space with business and scientific support and access to investors in an outstanding location. In addition to 40+ SBC occupiers, the campus is also home to GSK and the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult’s manufacturing centre. Over the last 10 years, SBC’s growing cluster of start-up companies have together raised £2.9bn in funding.
Dr Mary Kerr, CEO of occupier company NeRRe Therapeutics, said, “Being part of the SBC community has been a tremendous support in building and growing the business. SBC provides us with high quality, affordable and accessible office space, and a full support service. This has allowed us to focus on progressing our company mission as opposed to being distracted by ‘housekeeping’. It has also meant we have been able to attract top talent within driving distance of the office.”
The celebration events included a science symposium featuring talks from campus-based companies including MicrofluidX, ImmTune Therapies, LifeArc, GSK, the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, Achilles Therapeutics and Adaptimmune. The symposium was followed by a celebration lunch and a poster exhibition featuring occupier company research outputs.
