Strengthening Support for Biotech Startups at Harwell Campus
The Rosalind Franklin Institute has been announced as the first founding member for the new
CO:LABS’ facility, a pioneering biotech accelerator dedicated to fostering innovation and
scaling early-stage ventures.
This strategic partnership marks a major milestone in bolstering the resources and expertise
available to emerging biotech companies at CO:LABS, set to officially open its doors in 2026
at Harwell Campus.
The Franklin is at the forefront of creating innovative new technologies to address today’s most
pressing health research challenges – integrating physical sciences and engineering with life
sciences. As a founding member, the Franklin will play a crucial role in supporting CO:LABS’
resident startups, offering a range of tailored initiatives aimed at advancing both scientific and
commercial success.
Through the partnership, the Franklin will: deliver seminars and workshops – offering insights
into scientific research and industry trends, provide coaching and mentorship sessions to
guide innovators through technical and strategic challenges, share scientific expertise and
novel research findings, and provide guidance on technical, regulatory, and commercial
aspects of biotech innovation.
By joining forces with the Franklin, CO:LABS will create a dynamic, collaborative environment
where groundbreaking ideas can flourish. Providing startups with unparalleled access to
leading scientists, state-of-the-art research, and a network of industry professionals dedicated to advancing biotech innovation will amplify the impact of the thriving Harwell Health Tech
Cluster.
Stuart Grant, CEO of Harwell Campus, said: “Welcoming the Franklin as our first founding
member is a milestone moment for CO:LABS. Successfully scaling a new Biotech is
ferociously challenging, it’s essential that we build an ecosystem that provides the right level
of support to help innovators succeed. The Franklin’s commitment to mentoring and
knowledge sharing will be invaluable in equipping our startups with the expertise and insights
needed to scale and commercialise their innovations.”
Professor Paul Matthews, Director of the Franklin added: “Supporting the next generation of
biotech entrepreneurs is central to the Franklin’s mission. We are excited to be able to apply
our expertise and resources to acceleration of innovation in the life sciences sector through
this partnership.”
Barbara Ghinelli Director, Innovation Clusters and Harwell Campus, UKRI-STFC said:
“CO:LABS will supercharge Harwell’s thriving Health Tech Cluster. This partnership will
enhance the successful incubator programmes, funding and innovation and support
programmes that are already operating at Harwell Campus and will accelerate the ability of
brilliant biotechs to scale up.”
CO:LABS, opening in 2026, is the campus’ latest landmark 120,000sq. ft laboratory
development for life-changing science. It has been intentionally and inclusively designed from
the start to ensure that brilliant biotech companies are able to recruit, retain and raise funds
with best-in-class amenities including a café, lecture theatre, pitch rooms, fully fitted and
serviced laboratory space with inclusive of write-up and office space, supported by a
dedicated onsite lab manager to ensure the smooth running of the labs so members focus on science.
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www.harwellcampus.com
The Rosalind Franklin Institute
The Rosalind Franklin Institute is a technology institute for life science, creating innovative
technologies that transform our understanding of life.
Our technologies, borne out of innovation in physical sciences, create collaborations and
new avenues in life science which will lead to new therapeutics and advance our
understanding of human biology.
The Franklin is an independent organisation funded through the UK Research and
Innovation’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
Follow us on LinkedIn or bluesky @RosFrankInst or find out more at http://rfi.ac.uk