Life Sciences

The UK life sciences sector is one of the most advanced in the world — and this government is backing it to grow further. From genomics to medical devices, from clinical trials to advanced manufacturing, the UK offers a unique combination of world-class research, NHS scale, and deep industrial expertise.

The Life Sciences Sector Plan sets out how government and industry will work together across three interconnected pillars:

  • Enabling world-class R&D, making the UK an outstanding place to start, grow, scale and invest
  • Driving health innovation
  • NHS reform

Together, these pillars will build a globally competitive, self-sustaining life sciences ecosystem — creating jobs, boosting productivity, and improving lives across the UK.

What this means in practice:

  • UCB's £500 million investment is funding a state-of-the-art research and early manufacturing hub in Windlesham, Surrey — backed by the UK Government's Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund and set to accelerate development of treatments for severe immunological and neurological diseases.
  • In Greater Manchester, a £50 million Local Innovation Partnerships Fund award is being deployed on health innovation and life sciences, including genomics, diagnostics, personalised medicine and applied AI.
  • In Liverpool City Region, a Life Sciences Large Investment Portfolio pilot is attracting investment in infection prevention, advanced biopharmaceutical manufacturing, and health data science.

These are not one-off decisions. They are part of a long-term plan — giving life sciences businesses the confidence to invest, hire and grow.

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Ruth Chapman Executive Managing Director at Dulas Ltd

'InnovateUK helped us bring in specialist engineering expertise that's directly improving our products. That's the kind of practical support that helps a Welsh SME compete globally.'

Sector Plan

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The Life Sciences Sector Plan sets out the joined-up decisions government is making on R&D, regulation, NHS procurement, skills and investment — giving life sciences businesses the stability they need to make long-term decisions.

Sector Planopens assets.publishing.service.gov.uk in a new tab
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A Life Sciences Jobs Plan will be published this summer. It will set out how government and industry will work together to build the skills pipeline and create thousands of secure, well-paid jobs in the sector.

A targeted mix of support for the sector

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£600m Health Data Research Services Access to large-scale, high-quality health data to support R&D and accelerate clinical trials — giving life sciences businesses a competitive edge that is unique to the UK.

Find out moreopens healthdatagateway.org in a new tab
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Faster clinical trials The government is reducing commercial clinical trial set-up times by almost a third on average in 2025 — making the UK one of the fastest and most attractive locations for global trials.

Find out moreopens www.gov.uk in a new tab

Support and funding for your life sciences business

Whether you are a research spinout, a growing medical devices company, or an established pharmaceutical manufacturer, there is a range of support available to help you grow.

Support to grow your business

Access a broad package of support designed to help businesses scale more quickly, at lower cost, and with greater ease, including

  • • Step-by-step guidance through the practical steps to scale your business
  • • Overview of funding, grants and financial incentives available
  • • Information on events and networks relevant to the business sector and industry

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