Life Sciences

Britain is a world leader in life sciences. Over the next decade, it will be one of the top three in the world. From world-leading research institutions to dynamic start-ups and global pharmaceutical firms, our life sciences ecosystem is rich with potential.

Through this 10-year plan, the UK will fuse science, capital, industry and the NHS to create a globally unique life sciences ecosystem. The UK’s scientific infrastructure will gestate the ideas and technologies of the future; with greater capital and investment support to help those ideas and technologies to commercialise; and the health system will have a far greater focus on ensuring those ideas and technologies reach the patients who need them.

Why the UK for Life Sciences?

A global life sciences powerhouse

The UK is home to 4 of the world’s top 10 universities, the world’s largest research programme in Our Future Health, and more science Nobel Prizes per head than any other country - making it a global life sciences powerhouse.

Regional excellence

Many of the 6,850 life sciences business operating in the UK thrive in our local ecosystems, receiving support from initial R&D through to manufacturing and access. Our Health Innovation Networks will continue to be our regional gateway for domestic and international partners.

World leading Genomic Infrastructure

We are backing Genomics England with over £650 million over five years, unlocking the power of DNA to drive precision medicine across the NHS. Funding will help research participants receive personalised health advice and go towards one of the world's largest genomic research databases by 2030.

A refreshed approach to partnership

Through the delivery of our £520 million Life Sciences Innovation Manufacturing fund, a new bespoke government offer will support major investments over £250 million, and a new scale-up support service will help 10–20 UK life sciences companies attract international capital and stay headquartered in the UK.

Hear why AI diagnostics company Envisionit Deep AI chose the UK

View video transcript
Terence Naidu – Co-Founder, Envisionit Deep AI: "We took the leap and relocated our business to the UK and it has so many advantages to growing a company here." Dr. Jaishree Naidoo – CEO and Co-Founder, Envisionit Deep AI: "We combine AI technology with radiology. For us, the UK was a no-brainer." Andrei Migatchev – Co-Founder, Envisionit Deep AI: "You have access to capital, access to amazing talent, global reach." Naidu: "It supports us as entrepreneurs. That gives us that strength to continue doing what we're doing." Naidoo: "The Department for Business and Trade has opened up so many doors in so many countries we never thought we'd do business in. We're very much at home in the UK."

A leading R&D and manufacturing innovation ecosystem across more than 100 science parks and 9 research and technology Catapults

A global magnet for trials and AI - up to £600 million is being invested, alongside The Wellcome Trust, to create the world’s most advanced health data platform

A £1 billion investment from ioNTech: with new R&D centres in Cambridge and London – accelerating world leading science on personalised Cancer Vaccines and AI

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