With its unique ability to supercharge early-stage companies and foster groundbreaking discoveries, Babraham Research Campus stands as a beacon of brilliance within the global life science community.
Over the past 15 years, it has helped businesses transform pioneering ideas into life-changing solutions, attracting billions in investment and driving significant advances in health, technology, and economic growth.
Evidence of the “Babraham effect” is showcased in a new independent report which sets out the economic value of the Campus and is testament to the Campus’s role as a critical engine of innovation, collaboration, and success.
The Impact Report reveals that companies based at Babraham Research Campus have attracted more than £1.6 billion in investments in the last 15 years, reflecting strong investor confidence in its specialised ecosystem. This substantial funding has not only propelled research and commercial success but also positively impacted the Cambridge life science cluster and the broader UK economy.
Figures in the report also reveal that companies at the Campus are securing investments 20% higher and six months faster than those based elsewhere. This acceleration is attributed to the Campus's unique blend of capabilities and community, which provides more than just a physical space for companies to operate.
Showcasing 'evidence of brilliance'
Among the report’s impressive figures on job creation, investment and growth, it also contains testimonies from the people behind the impact.
From founders and CEOs to academics and scientists, a collection of pioneers highlight the remarkable feats they have achieved within, and owing to, the Campus's dynamic ecosystem.
Game-changing business infrastructure
Founded by Sir Steve Jackson, Adrestia Therapeutics (now part of Insmed) has thrived within the Campus's ecosystem, benefiting from the intersection of science and business, and an atmosphere of collaboration and shared growth.
Steve said: “Babraham Research Campus has been incredibly important for both my scientific endeavours and business ventures. It’s a unique meeting point, where academic research seamlessly merges with commercial applications. That dynamic fuels not only individual company success but also propels the entire community forward.”
This synergy has been critical for Insmed’s early-stage growth alongside flexible buildings which Steve says have been a “game-changer” allowing them to “incubate, expand, and flourish” as they’ve grown.
Supercharging R&D
Another success story comes from a participant in the 2021/22 Accelerate@Babraham bio-incubator cohort. By leveraging the Campus's critical infrastructure, collaborative community, and unparalleled support, Creasallis, led by Zahra Jawad, has been able to advance its novel protein engineering solutions for antibody-based therapeutics.
Zahra said that Creasallis found itself in an environment that provided more than just lab space: “The sense of community here is extraordinary. You have world-class science happening all around you, and yet, everyone is approachable and willing to lend their advice or insights. It’s an environment that pushes you to grow, both scientifically and commercially.”
Creasallis is now a fully-fledged Campus tenant highlighting its exceptional progress within this nurturing environment and enabling it to fulfil its vision to deliver safer, more effective antibody-based therapies to patients.
Accelerating scientific discovery and growth
Dedicated to advancing the understanding of coronary artery disease, PlaqueTec has benefited from the Campus's dynamic ecosystem, accessing a network of world-class expertise and resources that have accelerated the company's research.
“At Babraham Research Campus, we’ve been able to focus on what matters most - our science. Everything else is taken care of,” said Dr. Diane Proudfoot, Chief Scientific Officer at PlaqueTec. “Being part of this vibrant community has been key to making scientific progress.”
This growth includes a collaboration with RxCelerate marking a significant step forward in supporting the discovery of new drug candidates that could transform patient care. It has laid the groundwork for future collaborations, with both companies keen to continue working together as new targets are identified and validated through ongoing research.
Accelerate@Babraham 2025 is open
In line with its commitment to fostering innovation, the Campus is now accepting applications for the next cohort of its Accelerate@Babraham programme. This initiative offers early-stage life science start-ups an intensive 8-week 'taught' programme, 12 months of free lab space, expert mentoring, and a £10,000 non-dilutive cash prize. Since its inception in 2018, Accelerate@Babraham has supported 32 early-stage enterprises, with alumni raising £72.5 million and achieving a current portfolio value estimated at over £139 million.
A supercharged vision for the future
Looking to the future, Babraham Research Campus is set to amplify its impact even further.
With programmes like Accelerate@Babraham and LiveLabs - fully serviced and equipped co-working lab space for early-stage life science companies - driving forward the next generation of trailblazing enterprises, the Campus is committed to supporting and supercharging the ideas, talent, and breakthroughs that will shape the future of life sciences.
For more information on the Impact Report, LiveLabs and the Accelerate@Babraham programme, visit the Babraham Research Campus website at www.babraham.com.