Emma Yates

Innovative diagnostics to support early cancer detection

Emma Yates is the CSO of Proteotype Diagnostics Ltd, an East of England-based company developing early cancer detection technology. After earning her undergraduate degree at Princeton University, she received a Churchill Scholarship to study at Cambridge, where she began developing innovative methods for disease detection.

Today, only 50% of cancers are detected early, largely because existing tests rely on detecting material shed by tumours, which only happens in advanced stages. Proteotype’s groundbreaking Enlighten test takes a different approach, measuring how the body’s immune system responds to cancer. This immune response is strongest in the earliest stages of cancer, enabling early detection. Their low-cost innovation could significantly increase early detection rates, lower mortality and allow for more personalised treatment strategies.

“Scientists often design approaches of ever-increasing complexity to create something new. I continually ask myself how I can approach the problem from a different angle and use creative solutions to bring simplicity and elegance,” says Emma.

Over the past year, Emma has secured four major grants, including funding from NIHR/OLS Cancer Mission for clinical validation and Innovate UK support for precision medicine development. These grants have enabled rapid progress in developing their flagship platform.

“I feel honoured to be included in such an accomplished cohort of women innovators,” says Emma of winning the Award. “I hope to inspire young women to pursue science, just as my mentors inspired me.”

“Starting a company is risky,” Emma reflects. “When my son was born, I was back to work within five weeks, taking Teams calls with my infant. I overcame this by persevering until we could afford childcare.”

Her advice to aspiring innovators? “People say ‘it will be hard’. And it will. But don’t let anyone underestimate you. If you have a fire in your belly to change the world, give it your best shot.”

For more information on Women in Innovation

Find out more about the Women in Innovation Award and other support available across the Innovate UK ecosystem on the Women in Innovation programme page.