University of York and NatWest launch new life sciences business accelerator

Posted on Wednesday 11 November 2026

Operating out of the Department of Biology, the Accelerator marks a major new hub for life sciences innovation in Yorkshire and the North of England

Startups that will receive support include a company developing a non-invasive test to detect disease early by identifying unique signatures in human breath; and a spin-out developing a new therapeutic approach to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

The Life Sciences Business Accelerator builds on NatWest and the University of York’s wider partnership to support entrepreneurship in the region. In June, the two organisations opened a NatWest Accelerator Hub at York Science Park, giving startups, student entrepreneurs and academic innovators access to business growth programmes, coaching, mentoring and investor networks.

Increased turnover

Data from NatWest shows that businesses completing its growth programmes increase their turnover by an average of 104 per cent each year.

Professor James Chong, Head of the Department of Biology at the University of York, said: “For a long time, people saw starting a business as being all about profit. This accelerator changes that mindset. It shows that commercialisation is a route to creating real impact, bringing research out of the laboratory and into the world where it can help people.

“Our researchers are working on solutions to some of the world's biggest challenges. This programme gives them the tools to turn academic discoveries into everyday tools and treatments. It also gives our students visible role models and shows them that science and entrepreneurship can go hand in hand.”

Darren Pirie, Head of Accelerator at NatWest, said: “This partnership is about helping turn brilliant ideas into successful businesses. By bringing together the University of York’s world class research with NatWest’s expertise in supporting founders, we can provide the practical support, connections and confidence they need to take that next step.

“Our expanding network of Accelerators and university partnerships is about putting practical support closer to the founders and ideas in places that need it, fuelling growth across every region in the UK.”

Enterprise Works

The scheme expands on the business support offered by University’s existing entrepreneurial ecosystem and will plug directly into the University's established business support networks – including Enterprise Works.

As a research-intensive Russell Group institution, York has untapped potential for spinouts. This new partnership will increase direct access to specialist business support for academic founders to translate their research into viable commercial ventures.

The accelerator will begin with a 12-week pilot programme for a cohort of University of York scientists. Participants will receive expert mentoring, peer support and guidance on securing corporate finance and investment. The pilot will culminate in a pitch showcase to investors at the end of March. Future programmes will be available for companies from across the region. 

National recognition

Innovative companies that have emerged at the University include:

• Respiro Diagnostics: Founded by Dr Theo Issitt following his doctoral research in biological sciences at York. The company is developing a non-invasive breath analysis tool to detect disease early by identifying unique signatures in human breath. Its primary focus is catching lung cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages before symptoms appear. Dr Issitt previously achieved national recognition as a finalist in the UK Three Minute Thesis competition for his breath analysis research.
• Cizzle Biotechnology: A healthcare spin-out based on research into cell identity and instability by Professor Dawn Coverley. The company has developed a low-cost blood test to detect early-stage lung cancer. By identifying a specific biomarker protein present in blood plasma during early tumour growth, the test aims to improve patient survival rates while reducing the need for invasive biopsies and repeated scans.
• Mesenbio: Co-founded by stem cell researchers Professor Paul Genever and Dr David Kuntin. The company has engineered a development platform for a new type of therapeutic approach known as exosomes. Exosomes are microscopic biological capsules that are capable of suppressing inflammation and repairing tissue. The company is applying these to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, using the platform to avoid complex manufacturing and safety challenges.

Change lives

Professor Kiran Trehan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise, Partnerships and Engagement at the University of York, said: “We are proud to launch this life sciences accelerator with NatWest. It puts our researchers right at the forefront of discoveries that will change lives. Our team in Biology is working on everything from new treatments for blood cancer to tackling industrial water waste.

“In the past, ambitious researchers had to choose between running their labs and traveling to London or Manchester for business support. Bringing NatWest's expertise straight to our campus removes that barrier. We are giving scientists the backing, tools and confidence to secure investment, scale their businesses and support our local economy.”