University of Bristol - Nurturing new science and engineering start-ups

Science Creates is a deep tech ecosystem that offers specialised incubator spaces, a £15 million investment fund, and a comprehensive network of strategic partners to nurture science and engineering start-ups and spin-outs. The world-class hub, established in partnership with the University of Bristol and located in the heart of the city, is set to become the ‘new West Coast’, transforming disruptive discoveries through impactful commercialisation. 


Science Creates grew out of the original incubator in St Philips, Bristol (formerly named Unit DX), which was set up in 2017 by Bristol alumnus Dr Harry Destecroix, in collaboration with the University. It aimed to commercialise companies like his own, Ziylo, which worked to develop one of the first smart insulins to help people suffering with diabetes. In 2018, Ziylo was purchased by pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk for £623 million. 

Today, the incubator space houses 37 scientific and engineering companies (60 per cent of which are University of Bristol spin-outs) working with technologies that will help improve healthcare, the environment around us, and quality of life. In the first half of 2021, Science Creates members collectively raised investments totalling over £14.4 million.  

The University’s connection with Science Creates is becoming ever closer after jointly winning a £1.5m Research England capital grant to co-invest in the development of a second incubator space in Old Market, Bristol, launching in November 2021. The facility will provide vital mentoring support to start-ups in pioneering industries such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), clean growth, health, smart energy and agri-food, as well as enabling an estimated 250 high-value jobs to locate to the new site.