UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund

Adamo Foods is a UK-based company developing plant-based whole-cut meats using proprietary fermentation technology combined with mycelium.

Wave Photonics is a company based in Cambridge, UK, focused on enhancing the design and integration of integrated photonics products. It develops a platform that utilizes computational techniques to optimize product designs and streamline the supply chain. This platform offers a software tool that predicts the performance and variability of components based on specific fabrication processes, along with an optimizer to create a library of foundry-specific components. By facilitating the development and mass production of integrated photonics technologies, Wave Photonics aims to improve efficiency and reduce redundancy for businesses in the sector.

MIRICO Ltd. is a laser spectroscopy instrumentation company based in Oxford, founded in 2015 as a spin‑out from the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. It develops high‑performance gas‑sensing products that use laser dispersion, tunable laser absorption, and isotope‑ratio techniques to provide real‑time, in‑situ monitoring of trace gases and isotopologues. The instruments are applied in space exploration, planetary landers, environmental monitoring, atmospheric emissions, geochemistry, medical diagnostics, and oil‑and‑gas exploration and production. The company’s cloud‑connected platform delivers autonomous, continuous measurements in all weather conditions, enabling detection, localisation, and quantification of emissions to support net‑zero targets and operational optimisation.

Vector Photonics, based in Glasgow, Scotland, is a spin-out company from the University of Glasgow. It specializes in developing semiconductor laser technology for data communications and additive manufacturing, including metal and plastic printing. The company's innovation lies in photonic crystal surface-emitting lasers, which are low-cost and emit light from the top surface, facilitating easy packaging and integration into printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic assemblies. This enables various industries to adopt their semiconductor laser technology in daily operations.

Founded in 2013, Oxford Space Systems specializes in developing and manufacturing innovative deployable hardware structures for space environments. The company's products include deployable panels/hinge systems, composite linear boom systems, and deployable antennas, designed to be lighter, less complex, and lower cost than traditional alternatives. With a team of experienced professionals and backing from venture capital funds, Oxford Space Systems has successfully completed government co-developments and commercial contracts with leading satellite builders worldwide.

Founded in 2013, Oxford Space Systems specializes in developing and manufacturing innovative deployable hardware structures for space environments. The company's products include deployable panels/hinge systems, composite linear boom systems, and deployable antennas, designed to be lighter, less complex, and lower cost than traditional alternatives. With a team of experienced professionals and backing from venture capital funds, Oxford Space Systems has successfully completed government co-developments and commercial contracts with leading satellite builders worldwide.

HydRegen is a biotechnology company focused on sustainable solutions for chemical manufacturing. It develops bio-based manufacturing technologies and uses biocatalysis to enable the production of clean, safe, and sustainable chemicals. Founded in 2020 and based in Oxford, United Kingdom, the company supports early-stage industrial research and development with greater agility, speed, and predictability. By applying biocatalysis at scale, HydRegen aims to help chemicals and pharmaceutical sectors validate critical cost, productivity, and reproducibility targets, facilitating large-scale deployment of sustainable processes.

Vitarka Therapeutics is a London-based company that specializes in developing medical technologies and solutions aimed at treating various types of cancer. The company has created a targeted non-viral delivery platform designed for intracellular targets, particularly in oncology, neuroscience, and neurodegeneration. This innovative platform works by activating the immune system and normalizing tumor vasculature, significantly improving outcomes for late-stage cancer patients, including those with lung, colon, and breast cancers. By utilizing re-engineered pore-forming proteins, Vitarka Therapeutics enables cell-specific targeting and endosomal release of therapeutic cargo, providing cancer patients with improved prospects for leading normal lives and maintaining hope for the future.

Productive Machines enhances metal cutting efficiency by employing digital twins of machining processes. This enables rapid simulation of millions of parameters, improving CAM and G-code for increased productivity and part quality.

Vector Photonics, based in Glasgow, Scotland, is a spin-out company from the University of Glasgow. It specializes in developing semiconductor laser technology for data communications and additive manufacturing, including metal and plastic printing. The company's innovation lies in photonic crystal surface-emitting lasers, which are low-cost and emit light from the top surface, facilitating easy packaging and integration into printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic assemblies. This enables various industries to adopt their semiconductor laser technology in daily operations.

MIRICO Ltd. is a laser spectroscopy instrumentation company based in Oxford, founded in 2015 as a spin‑out from the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. It develops high‑performance gas‑sensing products that use laser dispersion, tunable laser absorption, and isotope‑ratio techniques to provide real‑time, in‑situ monitoring of trace gases and isotopologues. The instruments are applied in space exploration, planetary landers, environmental monitoring, atmospheric emissions, geochemistry, medical diagnostics, and oil‑and‑gas exploration and production. The company’s cloud‑connected platform delivers autonomous, continuous measurements in all weather conditions, enabling detection, localisation, and quantification of emissions to support net‑zero targets and operational optimisation.

Vector Photonics, based in Glasgow, Scotland, is a spin-out company from the University of Glasgow. It specializes in developing semiconductor laser technology for data communications and additive manufacturing, including metal and plastic printing. The company's innovation lies in photonic crystal surface-emitting lasers, which are low-cost and emit light from the top surface, facilitating easy packaging and integration into printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic assemblies. This enables various industries to adopt their semiconductor laser technology in daily operations.

Linear Diagnostics develops a proprietary diagnostic platform technology that enables rapid, simultaneous detection of multiple targets using a single reagent. Its core innovation, linear dichroism, facilitates molecular diagnostics tests across various sectors, including infectious diseases and food safety.

Atelerix Limited is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, founded in 2006. It specializes in the storage and transportation of cells and tissues at room temperature, utilizing a patented technology that encapsulates biological products in a natural hydrogel. This innovative approach allows for the safe shipment and storage of viable cells, including suspended cells, planted cells, and stem cells, without the need for cryopreservation or harmful supplements. By protecting cells from biochemical and physical damage, Atelerix enables immediate use of cells and assays upon arrival, enhancing reliability in drug discovery and cell therapy applications. The company's technology contributes to more predictable and effective outcomes in medical and research settings.

Tropic Biosciences UK Ltd, established in 2016 and based in Norwich, is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of commercial tropical crops. It employs advanced plant breeding and non-GMO gene editing techniques to create high-performing varieties, catering primarily to the coffee and banana industries. The company's mission is to promote grower wellbeing, consumer health, and sustainable environmental practices through its innovative, non-GMO methods, which significantly accelerate the breeding process to meet growing food demands and local community needs.

Atelerix Limited is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, founded in 2006. It specializes in the storage and transportation of cells and tissues at room temperature, utilizing a patented technology that encapsulates biological products in a natural hydrogel. This innovative approach allows for the safe shipment and storage of viable cells, including suspended cells, planted cells, and stem cells, without the need for cryopreservation or harmful supplements. By protecting cells from biochemical and physical damage, Atelerix enables immediate use of cells and assays upon arrival, enhancing reliability in drug discovery and cell therapy applications. The company's technology contributes to more predictable and effective outcomes in medical and research settings.

Tropic Biosciences UK Ltd, established in 2016 and based in Norwich, is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of commercial tropical crops. It employs advanced plant breeding and non-GMO gene editing techniques to create high-performing varieties, catering primarily to the coffee and banana industries. The company's mission is to promote grower wellbeing, consumer health, and sustainable environmental practices through its innovative, non-GMO methods, which significantly accelerate the breeding process to meet growing food demands and local community needs.

Atelerix Limited is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, founded in 2006. It specializes in the storage and transportation of cells and tissues at room temperature, utilizing a patented technology that encapsulates biological products in a natural hydrogel. This innovative approach allows for the safe shipment and storage of viable cells, including suspended cells, planted cells, and stem cells, without the need for cryopreservation or harmful supplements. By protecting cells from biochemical and physical damage, Atelerix enables immediate use of cells and assays upon arrival, enhancing reliability in drug discovery and cell therapy applications. The company's technology contributes to more predictable and effective outcomes in medical and research settings.

MIRICO Ltd. is a laser spectroscopy instrumentation company based in Oxford, founded in 2015 as a spin‑out from the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. It develops high‑performance gas‑sensing products that use laser dispersion, tunable laser absorption, and isotope‑ratio techniques to provide real‑time, in‑situ monitoring of trace gases and isotopologues. The instruments are applied in space exploration, planetary landers, environmental monitoring, atmospheric emissions, geochemistry, medical diagnostics, and oil‑and‑gas exploration and production. The company’s cloud‑connected platform delivers autonomous, continuous measurements in all weather conditions, enabling detection, localisation, and quantification of emissions to support net‑zero targets and operational optimisation.

SFH Oxford Ltd. is a UK-based company specializing in the development and marketing of innovative healthcare products aimed at enhancing the management of venous leg ulcers. Founded in 2011 and located in Didcot, the company has created Graducheck, a sensor-based technology that improves the application of compression bandages, thereby increasing healing rates and promoting patient compliance. SFH Oxford also offers anatomic focus technology graduated compression socks, which provide essential graduated compression, and K-gel wound dressings. The company is actively engaged in clinical and field trials for several of its products, which are showing promising results in real-world applications. With a leadership team experienced in medical device technology, wound care, and business development, SFH Oxford is focused on delivering optimized care for patients and healthcare professionals involved in ulcer management.

Synthace is a software company that develops tools for life sciences R&D, enabling automation, digitization, and optimization of biological experiments across health, pharmaceutical, food, energy, and industrial biotechnology sectors. Its cloud-based Antha platform lets users visually design, execute, and analyze biological workflows and automates processes to improve success rates. The platform digitizes experiments end to end, allowing researchers to plan reproducible experiments, simulate them, run them on automation equipment, and automatically structure data and metadata in a centralized workspace. It enables codeless reprogramming of liquid handling and supports multifactorial experimentation by connecting experimental data with other digital tools in the ecosystem. The software is browser-based, requires no coding, and aims to streamline lab workflows, improve data quality, and broaden the scope of experiments that can be conducted. The company operates globally from its base in London, with additional presence in the United States.

Puraffinity specializes in designing and developing precision materials for water treatment. Founded in 2015 and based in London, it has pioneered a sustainable novel adsorbent capable of removing challenging pollutants from contaminated water and wastewater. Utilizing advanced supramolecular chemistry methods, Puraffinity's technology binds target chemicals to functionalized sustainable materials, addressing imminent water quality challenges while promoting positive environmental impact.

Cytox Limited is a company focused on developing innovative products and services for the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Established in 2004 and headquartered in Birmingham, UK, with additional offices in Manchester and Oxford, Cytox has created a genetic-based blood test that assesses the risk and early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, which currently affects millions worldwide. The company employs cellular and genetic assays to identify early cell cycle deficits in patients, aiding pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in clinical trials and drug development for Alzheimer's and mild cognitive impairment. Cytox's strategic partnership with Affymetrix, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, enhances its capabilities in delivering these assessments and supporting the development of novel therapeutics.

Tropic Biosciences UK Ltd, established in 2016 and based in Norwich, is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of commercial tropical crops. It employs advanced plant breeding and non-GMO gene editing techniques to create high-performing varieties, catering primarily to the coffee and banana industries. The company's mission is to promote grower wellbeing, consumer health, and sustainable environmental practices through its innovative, non-GMO methods, which significantly accelerate the breeding process to meet growing food demands and local community needs.

Linear Diagnostics develops a proprietary diagnostic platform technology that enables rapid, simultaneous detection of multiple targets using a single reagent. Its core innovation, linear dichroism, facilitates molecular diagnostics tests across various sectors, including infectious diseases and food safety.

Nemesis Bioscience Ltd., established in 2014 and headquartered in Cambridge, UK, specializes in developing and commercializing innovative therapeutic agents. The company's core focus is to restore the effectiveness of existing antibiotics against currently resistant microbial pathogens. Nemesis Bioscience achieves this through its symbiotics, which directly kill pathogenic microorganisms and/or sensitize them to currently available antibiotics. The company's solutions are employed to treat infections and prevent patients from acquiring potentially life-threatening resistant pathogens. Nemesis Bioscience has been recognized for its work, having received the King's College, Cambridge Entrepreneurship Award in 2014, and has filed international patent applications for its inventions.

Founded in 2008, The Electrospinning Company specializes in designing, developing, and manufacturing biomaterials for regenerative medical devices and 3D cell culture products. Its primary offerings include aligned fiber scaffolds, plates with removable scaffold discs, and tissue culture plates with hanging inserts, catering to applications in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and drug discovery research.

Keit Ltd. is a company specializing in the design and manufacture of advanced spectrometers and related instruments, catering to a wide range of applications from ultraviolet to far infrared rays. Incorporated in 2012 and headquartered in Didcot, United Kingdom, Keit is known for its innovative microFTS® design, a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer that is notably smaller, lighter, and more rugged than existing systems. Originally developed for space applications, the microFTS® is capable of operating in extreme environments and sets a new standard for real-time liquid-state analyses across various industries, including Pharmaceutical, Chemical, Oil & Gas, and Food & Beverage. Keit's products are also utilized for measuring signal levels, near line vibrations, and analyzing gas or liquid-borne species.

MIRICO Ltd. is a laser spectroscopy instrumentation company based in Oxford, founded in 2015 as a spin‑out from the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. It develops high‑performance gas‑sensing products that use laser dispersion, tunable laser absorption, and isotope‑ratio techniques to provide real‑time, in‑situ monitoring of trace gases and isotopologues. The instruments are applied in space exploration, planetary landers, environmental monitoring, atmospheric emissions, geochemistry, medical diagnostics, and oil‑and‑gas exploration and production. The company’s cloud‑connected platform delivers autonomous, continuous measurements in all weather conditions, enabling detection, localisation, and quantification of emissions to support net‑zero targets and operational optimisation.

Quethera Limited is a biotechnology company based in Canterbury, United Kingdom, focused on developing gene therapy treatments for glaucoma and other ophthalmic diseases. Established in 2013, the company aims to address progressive visual loss associated with these conditions, particularly in patients experiencing accelerated deterioration of their visual fields. Quethera collaborates with leading experts in the field of glaucoma to design and conduct clinical trials that assess the efficacy and safety of its innovative therapies. With a strong foundation in gene therapeutic design and development, Quethera is advancing its pipeline from preclinical testing into clinical development, striving to provide effective treatment solutions for common blinding eye diseases. As of 2018, Quethera operates as a subsidiary of Astellas Pharma Inc.

Founded in 2013, Oxford Space Systems specializes in developing and manufacturing innovative deployable hardware structures for space environments. The company's products include deployable panels/hinge systems, composite linear boom systems, and deployable antennas, designed to be lighter, less complex, and lower cost than traditional alternatives. With a team of experienced professionals and backing from venture capital funds, Oxford Space Systems has successfully completed government co-developments and commercial contracts with leading satellite builders worldwide.

Synthace is a software company that develops tools for life sciences R&D, enabling automation, digitization, and optimization of biological experiments across health, pharmaceutical, food, energy, and industrial biotechnology sectors. Its cloud-based Antha platform lets users visually design, execute, and analyze biological workflows and automates processes to improve success rates. The platform digitizes experiments end to end, allowing researchers to plan reproducible experiments, simulate them, run them on automation equipment, and automatically structure data and metadata in a centralized workspace. It enables codeless reprogramming of liquid handling and supports multifactorial experimentation by connecting experimental data with other digital tools in the ecosystem. The software is browser-based, requires no coding, and aims to streamline lab workflows, improve data quality, and broaden the scope of experiments that can be conducted. The company operates globally from its base in London, with additional presence in the United States.

Synthace is a software company that develops tools for life sciences R&D, enabling automation, digitization, and optimization of biological experiments across health, pharmaceutical, food, energy, and industrial biotechnology sectors. Its cloud-based Antha platform lets users visually design, execute, and analyze biological workflows and automates processes to improve success rates. The platform digitizes experiments end to end, allowing researchers to plan reproducible experiments, simulate them, run them on automation equipment, and automatically structure data and metadata in a centralized workspace. It enables codeless reprogramming of liquid handling and supports multifactorial experimentation by connecting experimental data with other digital tools in the ecosystem. The software is browser-based, requires no coding, and aims to streamline lab workflows, improve data quality, and broaden the scope of experiments that can be conducted. The company operates globally from its base in London, with additional presence in the United States.

Tokamak Energy Ltd is a private company based in Abingdon, United Kingdom, focused on the development of fusion power technology. Founded in 2009, the company specializes in creating compact and cost-effective fusion power devices, particularly through the use of spherical tokamaks. These innovative reactors are designed to achieve higher plasma pressure with reduced magnetic field requirements compared to traditional tokamaks. Tokamak Energy utilizes high-temperature superconducting magnets to enhance plasma control within its devices, thereby improving efficiency. The company's commitment to rapid innovation leverages advanced materials and technology, building on decades of scientific research. By aiming to develop commercial fusion power solutions, Tokamak Energy contributes to the pursuit of affordable and sustainable energy, addressing global energy security while minimizing environmental impact.

Claresys Ltd. is a company that specializes in the development and supply of lens solutions specifically designed for covert surveillance applications. Its product range includes covert pinhole pan/tilt/zoom lenses suitable for C mount 1/3” sensor cameras, as well as miniature pinhole camera lenses. Claresys also offers custom lens designs tailored for long-range surveillance in challenging environments, such as nuclear and high-temperature fields. The company's optical technologies are utilized in various surveillance contexts, allowing for effective close surveillance in buildings and vehicles, as well as long-distance stake-outs. Primarily serving customers in the defense, homeland security, and police sectors, Claresys markets its products through a network of distributors across several countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and various European nations. Established in 2007 and headquartered in Abingdon, United Kingdom, Claresys aims to provide high-performance optical solutions that enhance both the effectiveness and safety of surveillance operations.

SFH Oxford Ltd. is a UK-based company specializing in the development and marketing of innovative healthcare products aimed at enhancing the management of venous leg ulcers. Founded in 2011 and located in Didcot, the company has created Graducheck, a sensor-based technology that improves the application of compression bandages, thereby increasing healing rates and promoting patient compliance. SFH Oxford also offers anatomic focus technology graduated compression socks, which provide essential graduated compression, and K-gel wound dressings. The company is actively engaged in clinical and field trials for several of its products, which are showing promising results in real-world applications. With a leadership team experienced in medical device technology, wound care, and business development, SFH Oxford is focused on delivering optimized care for patients and healthcare professionals involved in ulcer management.

Tokamak Solutions UK Ltd. engages in providing technology for fusion neutron source to transmute nuclear waste. The company was founded in 2009 and is based in Abingdon, United Kingdom.

Microvisk Technologies is a UK-based company founded in 2004, specializing in the development of advanced medical devices. The company's flagship product, CoagMax, is a point-of-care monitor designed for home patient testing of INR blood levels. Utilizing innovative micro electro mechanical sensors, CoagMax allows patients to self-test in a convenient, safe, and less painful manner. The device incorporates a novel sensor chip embedded in a disposable smart strip, ensuring accurate and efficient coagulation monitoring. Through its technology, Microvisk aims to enhance patient autonomy and improve health outcomes in the management of coagulation disorders.

Microvisk Technologies is a UK-based company founded in 2004, specializing in the development of advanced medical devices. The company's flagship product, CoagMax, is a point-of-care monitor designed for home patient testing of INR blood levels. Utilizing innovative micro electro mechanical sensors, CoagMax allows patients to self-test in a convenient, safe, and less painful manner. The device incorporates a novel sensor chip embedded in a disposable smart strip, ensuring accurate and efficient coagulation monitoring. Through its technology, Microvisk aims to enhance patient autonomy and improve health outcomes in the management of coagulation disorders.

P2i Limited specializes in liquid repellent nano-coating technology. Its solutions protect products and materials from liquids without altering their appearance or texture, serving industries such as electronics, lifestyle, life sciences, filtration, energy, and military worldwide.

Microvisk Technologies is a UK-based company founded in 2004, specializing in the development of advanced medical devices. The company's flagship product, CoagMax, is a point-of-care monitor designed for home patient testing of INR blood levels. Utilizing innovative micro electro mechanical sensors, CoagMax allows patients to self-test in a convenient, safe, and less painful manner. The device incorporates a novel sensor chip embedded in a disposable smart strip, ensuring accurate and efficient coagulation monitoring. Through its technology, Microvisk aims to enhance patient autonomy and improve health outcomes in the management of coagulation disorders.

Orbital Optics specializes in the manufacture and sale of high-resolution optical cameras designed for space missions, catering to both the United Kingdom and international markets. The company focuses on producing compact and affordable space cameras that deliver high-quality images. In addition to its camera manufacturing, Orbital Optics offers consultancy services related to imaging systems and optical payloads, along with access to supporting ground station facilities.

Oxsensis Ltd. is a manufacturer of non-electrical sensor systems that specialize in optical sensors for measuring pressure, temperature, and vibration in extreme environments. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Didcot, United Kingdom, the company also operates additional offices in the United States, Russia, China, and Japan. Its product offerings include advanced optical instrumentation such as the Wave-Phire Dynamic Pressure Transducer, which is designed for harsh conditions like gas turbines, and the i-Phire 4 Channel Optical Interrogator Unit, which converts optical signals into voltage signals for dynamic pressure measurements. Oxsensis serves a diverse range of industries including aerospace, power generation, oil and gas, and space, focusing on applications that require high sensitivity and immunity to electromagnetic interference. The company's innovative solutions contribute to precision controls and health monitoring in high-temperature and safety-critical environments.