Accelerating research through alternative funding
Accelerating research and innovation in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease.

Through research we understand more about the kidney’s biology, health and disease. This has made life-saving drugs and life-changing technologies possible.
To make research happen faster, and make it count for patients sooner, we are working with selected partners to establish alternative approaches to funding. There is no ‘one-size fits all’ way to funding research. We want to explore and develop different funding opportunities for researchers and scientists.
We aim to increase the knowledge of researchers and scientists to be able to consider and explore the opportunities around intellectual property (IP) and alternative funding. As part of the programme we will create, with partners, a series of opportunities, workshops, training sessions and 'boot camps' for researchers to be better prepared to consider alternative funding.
By exploring a range of alternative funding, we aim to support and create greater investment to make more breakthroughs in kidney research.
Our alternative funding partners
Find out about our current partners
UK BioIndustry Association (BIA)
The BIA have number of programmes to support start-ups in life sciences including:
BIA Start-up Festival: a new event for emerging companies.
BIA PULSE: a three-day leadership and entrepreneurship training programme developed by the BIA and The Francis Crick Institute.
[email protected]
[email protected] operate the annual [email protected] competition, which - via a competitive application and selection process - gives up to five early-stage life science enterprises the opportunity to take part in a five-month bio-entrepreneurial mentoring programme.
More opportunities
KQ Labs
KQ Labs is an accelerator programme for exciting early-stage start-ups using data as a core part of their business model to improve human health. This accelerator is run by the Francis Crick Institute and funded by LifeArc.
ONE Life Sciences Accelerator
The ONE Life Sciences Boot Camp and Accelerator delivered with We Are Pioneer Group helps anyone with an interest in life sciences to plan, start-up and launch businesses from their ideas, innovation and research.
P4 Precision Medicine Accelerator
The programme seeks the world’s leading Precision Medicine startups to support through development, regulation, investment, adoption and scale to UK and international markets to innovate and advance the healthcare landscape.
Illumina Accelerator
Illumina Accelerator is focused on creating an innovation ecosystem for the genomics industry. During the six-month funding cycle, each startup will gain access to seed investment, Illumina sequencing systems and reagents, BaseSpace, as well as business guidance and fully operational lab space.
KidneyX Innovation Accelerator
KidneyX, a partnership between HHS and the American Society of Nephrology, has a calendar of innovation prizes, competitions, and an accelerator programme. Check out the KidneyX website for current opportunities.
Start Codon
Start Codon is a life science accelerator that focuses on supporting highly disruptive, translational innovations created by exceptional teams. There is no formal application process, interested start-ups should apply through the contact us section of the Start Codon website. Applications are accepted at any time.
Panacea Stars
Panacea Stars aim to challenge perceptions, transform innovation and change lives through the Panacea Stars Accelerator. The accelerator programme is designed to help translate a vision into a thriving business through the support of time, resources and capital to de-risk and fast-track development in life sciences.
Got a question? Get in touch.
Get in touch to find out more how you can become involved in our alternative funding programme or how you can become a partner.