BioCap 2026 explores the future of life sciences investment and innovation

Business leaders and investors met at BioCap 2026 for two days dedicated to investment, innovation and scaling business growth. The programme began on 30th September with the pitching competition, hosted live and in-person for the first time at Alderley Park, where 14 shortlisted companies presented to an expert judging panel after being selected from a strong field of applicants. An evening investor mixer then provided additional opportunities for founders and investors to connect before the main event.

One of BioCap’s strengths is its ability to attract some of the UK’s most exciting and innovative businesses as they seek investment to advance their technologies and support future growth. During their eight-minute pitches, companies combined world-class science with clear commercial propositions, outlining how their innovations could improve patient outcomes alongside the potential market, use of capital, key milestones, exit strategies and prospective returns for investors.

The conversations continued on 1st October, when more than 130 delegates gathered for the BioCap conference, bringing together investors, life sciences companies and sector experts from across the UK. The agenda explored the key issues shaping company growth and investment decisions, with sessions covering the state of life sciences investment in 2026, company journeys, funding and commercial success stories, boardroom dynamics, scaling beyond the UK and and of course, the results of the pitching competition, with the top three finalists delivering their presentations at BioCap before the winner was announced.

Throughout the day, speakers shared perspectives on funding, innovation, business growth and the realities of scaling life sciences companies in a changing market. Kath Mackay, Interim Managing Director of Innovate UK, provided an in-depth update on the organisation’s renewed focus on supporting growth within the life sciences sector. Delegates also heard company journeys from David Solomon, CEO of Thalia Therapeutics; Chris Allen, Co-founder and CEO of Broughton; and Tiffany Thorn, Founder and CEO of BiVictriX Therapeutics. Each offered thought-provoking insights into building and developing a life sciences business, including the pivotal decisions, challenges and changes encountered along the way.

Kath MacKay’s presentation provided an overview of the current funding landscape for life sciences innovators. Highlighting a range of active UKRI funding opportunities spanning areas such as engineering biology, cancer diagnostics, medicines manufacturing and international collaboration, she encouraged companies to explore the support available to accelerate innovation and growth.

The session also outlined how Innovate UK works with businesses across the life sciences sector, signposting delegates to the specialist expertise available within the organisation's Life Sciences team. Her insights offered a useful overview of the funding and support mechanisms available to help companies progress innovative technologies and bring new solutions closer to market.

David Solomon shared his company journey and perspective on the rapidly evolving RNA therapeutics landscape and the opportunities it presents for addressing significant unmet medical needs. Highlighting the growing momentum behind RNA-based medicines, he explored how the sector is expanding beyond its early applications into broader disease areas, including cancer and cardiovascular disease, and discussed the factors driving continued innovation and investment in the field.

Drawing on experience of building and leading biotechnology companies, the importance of strategic partnerships, platform technologies and clear commercial focus in creating long-term value was reflected upon. The presentation explored how advances in both therapeutic development and targeted delivery approaches are helping to unlock new possibilities for RNA medicines, while offering delegates valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing emerging life sciences companies as they progress innovative therapies through development and towards commercialisation.

Presenting his company journey, Chris Allen reflected on the company's 20-year journey from start-up to established life sciences services business, sharing candid insights into the challenges, opportunities and decisions that shaped its growth. Through a series of lessons learned, he highlighted the importance of maintaining focus, understanding what differentiates a business in the market, and building a strategy around core strengths and long-term value creation.

Drawing on both successes and setbacks, various themes were explored including sustainable growth, adapting to changing market conditions, scaling responsibly and remaining closely aligned to customer needs. Perspectives were also shared on leadership, investment, strategic decision-making and the value of surrounding a business with trusted partners and advisors, offering delegates practical takeaways on building resilient companies capable of navigating periods of uncertainty while remaining focused on future growth opportunities.

Tiffany Thorn’s company journey took the form of a fireside chat exploring the different stages of building BiVictriX Therapeutics, from its beginnings as a start-up through to listing on the stock exchange and subsequently delisting. The discussion considered how investor relationships can be managed throughout such a journey, alongside the importance of building a team capable of progressing both the company and its product development.

Among the day’s many standout moments was a fireside chat between Dan Todd, Founder and CEO of InvenireX, and James Reston of DSW Ventures. Particularly relevant to the founders in the room, the conversation offered an open account of overcoming setbacks, maintaining momentum and ultimately finding the right investor to support a company’s technology and growth plans.

Pitching competition winner

Following a record-breaking number of applications, 14 outstanding life sciences companies were selected to take part in the BioCap Pitching Competition, held at Alderley Park on 30th September. Each finalist had just eight minutes to showcase their innovation, vision and growth potential.

The 2026 shortlist highlighted the strength and diversity of innovation emerging across the sector, with pitches from AlgiSys, Antigonie Biosciences, Bioarchitech, Cerebrovia Therapeutics, Chronotaxia, Fibraxis, Haptiv8, ImmunoKey, Innovarus, Inoviv, mycoBiologics, OncoDrug, Osbot and ValiRx Animal Health.

After an inspiring afternoon of presentations and a difficult decision-making process, the judges selected their top three companies: Antigonie Biosciences, Bioarchitech Ltd and Fibraxis, which presented again at the BioCap conference.

Taking the overall title was Antigonie Biosciences, whose pitch impressed the panel and secured them the top spot in this year's competition. The award was presented to Antigonie Founder and CEO, Katherine Bridge, by Matt Jones, CEO of pitching competition sponsor Digital Quality Associates. Congratulations!

All 14 of the shortlisted pitches can be viewed here.

Geoff Davison, CEO of Bionow, commented: “It's always encouraging to see so many innovative companies, investors and industry leaders coming together under one roof. BioCap 2026 provided valuable insights into the investment landscape, showcased some exceptional emerging businesses, and created opportunities for new connections and collaborations. Events like this play an important role in supporting growth and helping our sector continue to thrive.

A huge congratulations to Antigonie Biosciences, this year's BioCap Pitching Competition winner, and to Bioarchitech Ltd and Fibraxis for securing places in the top three. The standard of entries was incredibly high, making it a very difficult decision for the judges. It was fantastic to see so many innovative companies showcasing their technologies and ambitions, and I wish all of the finalists every success in the future.”

BioCap 2026 was sponsored by Appleyard Lees, Mills & Reeve, RSM UK, Digital Quality Associates, Bruntwood SciTech and Withers & Rogers.