Ecosystem Development Programme

Cambridge's path from lab to launch

A comprehensive programme designed to support early-stage life science companies through education, mentorship, and strategic connections.

Overview

  • Built around a live panel discussion, designed to connect stakeholders across the greater Cambridge biotech innovation ecosystem.

  • Virtual seminars giving entrepreneurs across BioLabs' global network practical training on funding, IP, regulation, pitching, and hiring.

  • Monthly 1-on-1 sessions with subject-matter experts, built around the goals each startup sets during its Needs Assessment call.

  • Expert-led, interactive sessions combining real-world business case studies, group discussion, and practical exercises.

  • A pitch event featuring startups from the Founder-Mentor Connect programme, presented to investors, biotech stakeholders, and the wider Cambridge ecosystem.

Networking Events

  • The Startup Funding Playbook: From Grants to Venture Capital

    September 21, 2026 · 11:00 AM–2:00 PM BST

    Explore funding options for early-stage startups, from grants and non-dilutive funding to angel and venture capital investment. This session will cover what gets funded, investor expectations, and how UK startups can access U.S. funding, with practical insights from serial entrepreneurs.

    Register

  • Building Strategic Pharma Partnerships: From First Contact to Collaboration

    May 27, 2027

    Explore how early-stage companies can identify and build strategic partnerships with pharma, corporate, and other organisations. This session will cover partnership models, pharma investing versus partnering, global market expansion, and the key benefits and challenges of collaboration.

    Registration Coming Soon

Founder Webinar Series

  • How to Position your Startup for Transatlantic Success

    October 14, 2026
    9:00–10:00 AM ET | 2:00–3:00 PM BST

    Explore the key IP, legal, and corporate considerations for UK biotech startups entering the U.S. market. This session will cover global IP and patent strategy, U.S. incorporation, legal considerations for expansion, and common mistakes to avoid.

    Register

  • Commercialisation Strategy for AI and Platform Biotech Startups

    March 23, 2027
    9:00–10:00 AM ET | 1:00–2:00 PM GMT

    Explore how biotech and platform companies can build effective commercialisation and partnership strategies. This session will cover identifying partners and customers, evaluating monetisation models, differentiating technology and data, and balancing strategic partnerships with internal product development.

    Register

  • How to Pitch to US Investors ​

    April 28, 2027
    9:00–10:00 AM ET | 2:00–3:00 PM BST

    Explore how biotech startups can build compelling pitches for pharma partners and VC investors. This session will cover tailoring your pitch to different audiences, what investors look for, key differences between pharma and VC decks, and common pitching mistakes to avoid.

    Register

  • Government Regulations from Lab to Clinical

    July 14, 2027
    9:00–10:00 AM ET | 2:00–3:00 PM BST

    Explore how early-stage life science companies can navigate regulatory pathways from preclinical research through clinical development. This session will cover key UK, European, and U.S. requirements, preparing for clinical trials, building a global regulatory strategy, and common challenges to anticipate.

    Register

  • How to Build a Team​

    September 15, 2027
    9:00–10:00 AM ET | 2:00–3:00 PM BST

    Explore how early-stage life science companies can build and grow high-performing teams. This session will cover identifying talent gaps, recruiting and selecting the right candidates, and building an innovative, collaborative culture that supports long-term growth.

    Register

FOUNDER-MENTOR CONNECT · 2026 -27 COHORT

Direct access to expert guidance, built around your company.

A core offering of the BioLabs at Wellcome Genome Campus Ecosystem Development Programme — giving early-stage UK biotech companies hands-on mentoring as they prepare to scale.

sEPT 21

APPLICATIONS OPEN

nOV 13

APPLICATIONS CLOSE

DEC 9

COHORT ANNOUNCED

PROGRAMME SCHEDULE

How it Works

From application to pitch day, here’s the path — mentoring itself runs roughly four months, February through April.

21 Sept 2026
Applications Open
13 Nov 2026
Applications Close
16 Nov –
7 Dec 2026
Applications Reviewed & Finalists Selected
9 Dec 2026
Cohort Announced
Jan 2027
Programme Kick-Off
Week of
25 Jan 2027
Needs Assessment Calls
1–12 Feb 2027
Mentor Matching
Feb–Apr 2027
Mentoring Sessions
Regular sessions with your matched mentor, roughly every two weeks.
27 May 2027
Innovation Showcase
Present your progress to investors, biotech stakeholders, and the Cambridge ecosystem.

START YOUR JOURNEY TODAY

From application to pitch day, the programme runs roughly eight months from start to finish.

APPLY TODAY

In-Person Workshops

  • BUILD YOUR BIOTECH IN 90 MINUTES: FROM TECHNOLOGY TO COMPANY

    November 18, 2026 · 12:00 PM–3:00 PM GMT

    Learn what it takes to turn a promising technology into a company. In this hands-on workshop for the Wellcome Genome Campus community, teams will build a biotech around a fictional technology, working through indication, business model, funding strategy, IP and go-to-market, with practical guidance from Goodwin and BioLabs.

    Lunch provided. Before the workshop, everyone is welcome to drop in from 11:00 AM for coffee and a look at our new space. No registration needed.

    Register

  • YOUR FIRST U.S. EXPANSION: FROM UK BIOTECH TO AMERICAN MARKET

    February 2027

    Learn what it takes to take a UK biotech into the U.S. market. In this hands-on workshop for the Wellcome Genome Campus community, teams will work through a real-world expansion scenario, covering incorporation, hiring, fundraising, IP and regulatory strategy.

    Registration Coming Soon