Innovation on the Rise: Meet the five start-ups reshaping the future of health at Babraham Research Campus
Now in its seventh year, the Accelerate@Babraham programme has become a beacon for early-stage innovation - supporting science-led startups with the tools, space and mentorship to take their ideas from promising to powerful. This year’s cohort is no exception.
With applications surging by 50 per cent and 37 highly competitive entries vying for just five spots, the selection process was tougher than ever. But what emerged from this rigorous vetting was a group of ventures united by a common goal: harnessing science to create meaningful impact.
Five companies. One vision: Transforming tomorrow’s healthcare
AAB Research
Imagine cancer therapy without the need for complex, expensive cell manufacturing. AAB Research is developing engineered extracellular vesicles—microscopic packages that deliver therapeutic mRNA cargo directly to B-cells, targeting B-cell lymphoma. Its goal? A scalable, off-the-shelf alternative to CAR-T cell therapy that’s both safer and more accessible.
“One of the key realisations for us was that we need to be surrounded by other biotech startups to be able to succeed,” says the AAB team. “We visited the Campus last year during Cambridge Wide Open Day and spoke to Jenny Hirst. The Campus and the buzz around it are really inspiring and we thought it would be the best place to grow our company.”
AmnioCam
Wound healing is due a revolution. Emerging from research at the Babraham Institute, AmnioCam offers a stem cell-based alternative to donated placental tissue. Its innovation ensures a consistent, ethical, and cost-effective supply of amniotic cells for chronic wound healing – addressing clinical needs in conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers and pressure sores.
“As part of Accelerate@Babraham, we hope to refine our commercialisation strategy, better understand investor expectations, validate our early market positioning, and prepare our route to market,” the AmnioCam team shares.
“We also expect to make the most of the networking and partnering opportunities Babraham Research Campus provides with key enablers that could support our future entrepreneurial journey.”
Cycle Therapeutics
In a field where women’s health has long been underserved, Cycle Therapeutics is taking on endometriosis with data-rich, lab-based modelling. Using menstrual fluid as a monthly window into biology, they’re building new pathways to discover desperately needed treatments.
“The Accelerate@Babraham programme is more than just lab space: it is an entire ecosystem that aims to develop a company organically and fully through mentoring, connections with local leaders, and a supportive culture,” says Cycle Therapeutics.
“I was initially attracted because of the amazing lab space in Cambridge, but I now value even more the people who make the programme what it is - from Jenny’s support to the incredibly experienced entrepreneurs and service providers who give up their time to help us.”
MabGalaxy
The discovery of new antibody drugs is often a race against time. MabGalaxy is changing the pace, combining the innate brilliance of the human immune system with cutting-edge AI to fast-track the development of next-gen antibody medicines. The result? Faster pipelines, better drugs, and more lives changed.
“We were particularly attracted to Accelerate@Babraham because of the unparalleled ecosystem it fosters,” the MabGalaxy team explains. “The seamless connection between cutting-edge academic discoveries and established biotech companies offers a unique environment for networking, mentorship, and accessing resources that are crucial for early-stage ventures like ours.”
Sysora Health
Oral health meets precision microbiology. Sysora Health is developing a targeted antibacterial gel that eliminates Porphyromonas gingivalis—a destructive driver of severe gum disease—without harming beneficial bacteria in the oral microbiome. The ripple effect? With wider implications for diabetes, cardiovascular health and beyond, it’s a game changer for oral care.
“Our expectations on applying have already been surpassed,” says the team at Sysora Health.
“Accelerate@Babraham provides start-up laboratory space steeped in a supportive and energising culture, combined with practical input on how to get stuff done. We are delighted and truly accelerated.”
More than just a programme
The Accelerate@Babraham journey begins with an intensive eight-week curriculum packed with seminars, workshops, and expert mentoring. But the impact doesn’t stop there. Cohort members also receive up to a full year of lab space, £10,000 in non-dilutive funding, and most importantly, on-tap access to a thriving community of researchers, technical specialists, and investors - all of whom give their time to support and nurture the cohort throughout their time as part of the world-class Babraham Research Campus ecosystem.
Once the taught phase concludes, the founders move into the Campus’ state-of-the-art communal LiveLabs, where they’ll begin pushing toward key inflection points: proof of concept, commercial traction, and scientific validation. Alongside them, an expert technical team and mentoring network stand ready to guide, challenge, and support every step of the way.
Accelerate@Babraham Programme Manager Jenny Hirst says: “We are delighted to welcome the 2025 cohort to Campus and are looking forward to watching them progress through the programme. We couldn’t deliver Accelerate@Babraham without the unwavering support of our strategic partners and the multitude of experts and mentors that give up their time to assist and guide each cohort.
“We are extremely grateful for their continuing support. It’s exciting to have the cohort together on site as we start this 2025 programme – excitement and motivation to get going is high!”
A growing legacy, an expanding vision
Since its inception, Accelerate@Babraham has supported 32 companies, which, to date, have raised over £100 million, and generated more than 117 jobs. It’s a legacy not only of success, but of impact - one that new cohort members are poised to build on.
This year also sees the arrival of three Cambridge NeuroWorks Frontier Fellows via a unique collaboration with ARIA (Advanced Research and Invention Agency). These fellows are tackling some of the biggest challenges in neurotechnology - from depression to chronic pain - and through association with Accelerate@Babraham, will benefit from everything the Babraham Research Campus community has to offer.
Louise Jopling, Chief Scientific & Innovation Officer, Babraham Research Campus, commented: “We are particularly excited to welcome the Cambridge NeuroWorks Fellows, enabling them to harness this proven methodology and ecosystem to accelerate the delivery of meaningful societal benefits.”
Finale Day. Mark your calendar: The 2025 cohort will share their vision and progress in a showcase finale on July 11, presenting to investors, partners, and the broader scientific community.
For more about Accelerate@Babraham, visit accelerateatbabraham.com or babraham.com.
• PHOTOGRAPH – The Accelerate@Babraham 2025 cohort:
Back row (from left) – Lucy Rowbotham (Sysora Health), Vivian Wong (MabGalaxy), Andy Wood (MabGalaxy), Kevin Chalut (Cycle Therapeutics), Jenny Hirst (Programme Manager, Accelerate@Babraham)
Front row (from left) – Eline Koers (AAB Research), Laura Bergamaschi (MabGalaxy), Dmitry Veprintsev (AAB Research), Aljona Kolmogorova (AmnioCam)