British Business Bank commits €53.6 million to Zinc’s €81.5 million Science-for-Impact Fund; backs 80 deep tech startups from UK research in health and climate

The British Business Bank has committed up to €53.6 million (£46 million) to Zinc's Science-for-Impact Fund, which targets a total fund size of €81.5 million (£70 million). This initiative aims to support 80 deep tech startups focused on health and climate solutions emerging from UK research.¹²

Zinc's strategy involves engaging scientists early in the process, allowing for the development of companies that align with government priorities in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, life sciences, engineering, biology, and AI. The fund is part of the Bank's Enterprise Capital Funds programme, which has supported 55 funds since its inception.⁵

Mark Sims, Managing Director at the British Business Bank, stated, “Breakthrough businesses need support from the very earliest stages if they’re to realise their potential. Zinc has a strong track record of backing founders tackling significant health and environmental challenges.” Zinc co-founder emphasized the fund's role in addressing the gap between UK research output and commercialized businesses, stating, “Too many breakthrough discoveries never become the companies that improve lives.”

Zinc's portfolio includes innovative companies like Epiome, an AI biomarker platform for neurodegenerative diseases, and CellMine, which focuses on recycling lithium-ion batteries. The fund aims to de-risk scientific innovation and accelerate the commercial progress of these startups, ultimately contributing to the UK's future economy.