A new programme, Accelerate to Investment (A2I), has launched to help public sector researchers turn high-potential research into investment-ready spinout companies.
Designed specifically for government research organisations, A2I provides structured commercial and investment support to help publicly funded research move beyond the lab and into real-world application.
As of 2023, just 84 spinouts had emerged from UK public bodies, collectively employing over 7,300 people and raising £5.1 billion in funding.
The UK government states that this highlights both the scale of opportunity and the untapped potential within the system.
A2I aims to support researchers and innovators within government organisations to explore commercial pathways, build founder capability and confidence, and prepare for external investment.
By strengthening the pipeline of credible, investment-ready public sector spinouts, Accelerate to Investment directly supports the government’s Economic Growth Mission.
Science Minister Lord Vallance comments on the accelerator, “Public sector research organisations are hubs of remarkable innovation. We must ensure these innovations are recognised, scaled up and developed into their full potential.
“The Accelerate to Investment programme will help move research and innovations out of government and into the marketplace, contributing to the economic growth our country needs. It will bring new products and services that deliver real benefits to our citizens”.
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