Biotech business StemBond nurtures growth with regenerative innovation

StemBond Technologies is redefining cell cultures, developing new treatments and studying diseases easier. Its proprietary tissue platform provides optimal conditions for cells to grow outside the body, enhancing their function for therapies and enabling more accurate disease modelling.

By combining the benefits of 3D cell growth with the ease of 2D techniques, StemBond’s hydrogel platform offers a scalable solution for developing new medicines and regenerative therapies. Essentially, StemBond’s gel makes it easier to grow and study cells in a way that better mimics the human body, helping to develop new treatments. Now transitioning from research to commercial use, this breakthrough technology has the potential to transform therapeutic development.

Andrew Hodgson, Founder and CEO of StemBond Technologies, explains: “Our hydrogel platform is unlocking new possibilities for what we can do with cells. By creating an environment that closely mimics natural tissue conditions, we can significantly enhance the way cells grow and function, ultimately improving therapies and accelerating drug discovery.”

Strategic support drives investment and commercial growth

StemBond’s collaboration with Innovate UK Business Growth began in August 2023 after it secured a £50,000 Innovate UK grant, which funded the first proof of concept demonstrating that its technology could address some of the biggest challenges in cell therapy development.

Recognising the company’s growth potential, Innovation and Growth Specialist, Sean Cannon, developed a tailored action plan with the company to help it identify and make progress with strategic priorities such as investment readiness, strategic planning and access to key funding and international opportunities.

Through Innovate UK Business Growth’s Invest-Ability Intensive Training, StemBond was also equipped with the tools to refine its pitch deck, establish valuation strategies and prepare for funding rounds.

In addition to investment readiness support, StemBond were also supported to develop and harness their innovation with an Innovate UK Business Growth Research & Technology Organisation (RTO) and Catapult grant worth 15k, facilitating crucial product Research and Development (R&D) work with the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult in London. Strengthening intellectual property (IP) protection was also a priority, accomplished by participating in IP Advance, an Intellectual Property Office (IPO) scheme, delivered by Innovate UK Business Growth.

This targeted support positioned StemBond as an attractive investment opportunity, culminating in a £1M funding round, which included an Innovate UK Investor Partnerships grant. The funding will accelerate product launch, expand its research team and explore new market applications.

Andrew adds: “Innovate UK Business Growth have been hugely influential in our journey, from investment readiness support to funding access opportunities. The guidance we received helped us refine our strategy and accelerate our commercialisation.”

International growth strengthens global positioning

Innovate UK Business Growth’s internationalisation support also helped StemBond establish key global partnerships. The company’s participation in Innovate UK’s Global Explorers and a Global Business Innovation Programme (GBIP) to Sweden provided direct access to leading biotech stakeholders and potential commercial partners.

Demonstrating international scalability strengthened StemBond’s investment appeal, positioning it strongly for potential global pharmaceutical collaborations. With expanded international connections, the company is engaging key industry experts within major pharmaceutical firms, conducting interviews to deeply understand their needs and guide targeted product development.

Advancing UK biotech innovation and economic impact

By expanding its commercial and research teams from two to six staff members, StemBond is contributing to high-value job creation and positioning the UK as a leader in biotech innovation. Innovate UK Business Growth’s tailored support ensures businesses like StemBond can scale effectively, driving scientific breakthroughs that benefit the UK economy and global healthcare advancements.

Andrew concludes: “Innovate UK Business Growth’s support has been crucial in getting us to this stage. We are excited about the future and the impact our biotechnology can have on medicine and patient outcomes.”

Innovate UK Business Growth has been hugely influential in our journey, from investment readiness support to funding access opportunities. The guidance we received helped us refine our strategy and accelerate our commercialisation.

– Andrew Hodgson, Founder and CEO of StemBond Technologies