Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst (SBC), launched through a partnership between BEIS, 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 expanding to become one of Europe’s largest life sciences campuses and is now home to the largest cluster of cell and gene therapy companies outside the US. The Elevate Quarter, planned to begin construction in 2024, will address growing lab space demand and is expected to create up to 5,000 jobs.

Since 2012, SBC has supported 110 companies. Around 45 companies access the Cytiva tech lab and shared facilities, and the New Spark building supports 100 jobs. SBC companies have raised £3.7bn in funding, with over 70% directed toward cell and gene therapy ventures. Achilles, Freeline, and Autolus have also expanded to the US.

The flexible campus includes the Lab Hotel, supporting up to eight companies annually, with 75% continuing on site. SBC provides lab and office space, equipment, mentoring, and investor connections to help scaleups grow. On average, companies reduce product development time by six months.

SBC accelerator programmes have supported 33 companies since 2021: 15 in the DATA programme (2021), 10 in Catalyser (2023), and 8 in Catalyser (2024). These equip founders with commercial and leadership skills and improve access to investment.

In 2023, SBC companies created 884 new jobs and expect to grow their workforces by 50% within 18 months, with four companies expecting to more than double in size.

SBC-based firms generated £34m in GVA in 2021, including £20m in Hertfordshire. By 2040, this is expected to rise to £165m in net GVA and 2,900 jobs, with over half of this impact in Hertfordshire.

SBC also fosters a strong talent pipeline. There are currently 16 apprentices across Achilles, CGTC, and MFX, in addition to opportunities supported by GSK. Generation Stevenage promotes local training and careers. LifeArc offers 10–12 sandwich placements and 10–15 PhD CASE studentships. MFX runs summer internships for sixth form and undergraduate students from across Hertfordshire.

Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst website