Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst (SBC), launched through a partnership between the UK Government, GSK, Wellcome and Innovate UK, is a nationally recognised life sciences hub strategically located between London and Cambridge. It brings together academia, biotech and pharma to drive innovation and collaboration.

SBC is part of the wider Stevenage life sciences campus, recognised for its concentration of cell and gene therapy expertise. The Elevate Quarter, being developed by UBS Asset Management and Reef, will provide further laboratory and office space to meet growing demand and support the continued growth of the Stevenage life sciences cluster.

Since 2012, SBC has supported more than 150 companies, which have collectively raised £4.5 billion and achieved seven exits. Businesses across the wider Stevenage life sciences cluster are expected to increase their workforce by around 50%, with the cluster projected to contribute £165 million in net GVA and 2,900 jobs by 2040.

SBC provides flexible lab and office space, equipment, mentoring and investor connections to help scaleups grow. Campus firms benefit from more than £1 million worth of specialist equipment, including shared facilities such as the Cytiva Technology Lab.

Early-stage scaling businesses receive six months’ rent-free laboratory and office space through the Lab Hotel, which can support up to seven companies at a time. This is complemented by Seed Works, providing low-cost desk space within a shared office, and Lab Works, providing shared laboratory benches for businesses taking their next stage of growth. Together with the Incubator, Accelerator and Spark buildings, these facilities enable businesses to expand while remaining within the SBC ecosystem.

On average, companies located at SBC report accelerating their research and product development by around six months, reflecting the efficiency gains achieved through shared facilities, collaborative opportunities and expert technical support.

SBC’s accelerator programmes have supported more than 60 early-stage scaling businesses since 2021, helping founders strengthen their commercial strategies, leadership and investment readiness. In 2026, SBC introduced a new retreat format for its Catalyser programme, combining expert mentoring, practical workshops and peer learning.

SBC also continues to strengthen the expertise available to growing businesses. In 2025, SBC collaborated with GSK to launch a free one-to-one mentoring programme for early-stage scaling businesses, connecting founders with experienced industry professionals to help address scientific and commercial challenges. Scientific support is also being extended through access to virtual scientists via KIIN Bio, alongside further AI-focused support being developed with Sentinal 4D.

SBC also fosters a strong talent pipeline. LifeArc offers sandwich placements and PhD CASE studentships, while GSK provides apprenticeships and SBC-based businesses offer internships to local students. SBC’s outreach and employability activities now support more than 200 students annually, including through its Student Support Programme with Stevenage Borough Council, which provides mentoring, CV and interview support and opportunities to engage with businesses and scientists across the campus. SBC also coordinates an annual work experience week with around five campus businesses, giving local students experience within a working life sciences environment.

SBC hosts around 50 annual networking and community events, including CEO roundtables and investor workshops, creating further opportunities for businesses to exchange expertise, build connections and collaborate across the campus.

In 2026, SBC received the One Nucleus Award for Best Sustainable Ecosystem Delivery, recognising its work across sustainability, business support and community engagement.

Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst website