COLLABORATE TO INNOVATE (C2NLDx)
Having successfully concluded its initial phase and demonstrated significant impact, C2NLDx is now actively seeking strategic funding partnerships to launch its next phase. To discuss supporting our future work, please reach out to Nicki Bromwich.
Overview
The Collaborate to Innovate: London Diagnostics (C2NLDx) Programme is a highly successful initiative designed to accelerate diagnostic innovations by providing London-based SMEs with crucial funding, expert guidance, and unparalleled access to top researchers, companies and charities.
The challenge
SMEs often struggle to invest in research and innovation due to funding difficulties and limited access to academic expertise. This restricts their ability to develop, validate, and bring new diagnostic products to market, hindering their overall growth and competitiveness.
The opportunity
C2NLDx supports up to 10 London-based SMEs with diagnostic innovations. Each SME is paired with top researchers, companies, and charities. The programme offers each SME up to £100,000 in funding and guidance on validation and testing, helping them bring their innovations to market.
Programme impact
C2NLDx collaborations led to advancements in medical diagnostics, secured £32.55m in investment, enhanced product development, broadened expertise, improved market understanding, and de-risked innovation.
Impact in numbers*
*Data provided by 9 out of the 10 companies who participated in the last round of the programme.
13.8
Programme activity has led to the creation of 13.8 FTE equivalent roles in participant SMEs.
6.54
£6,541,569 in total NPV GVA over the next five years attributed to the programme.
32.5
(£) in further investment secured by participant SMEs
5.03
C2NLDx delivered £5.03 in economic impact for every £1 spent.
Other impact
Significant technological and medical advancements made.
- Identification of markers for early-stage pancreatic cancer and cardiovascular disease
- AI analysis of blood samples for Alzheimer’s signs
- Technology to predict patient responses to kidney cancer treatments
- All participants accelerated commercialisation of their products through external validation, clinical pathway development, and product refinement
Respondents were very positive about the benefits of collaboration.
- Five out of nine projects are planning future collaborations
- Significant mutual benefits, including technological advancements and further investment
- Broadened SMEs’ expertise, experience, and capacity
- Research partners gained insights into commercial and clinical applications
- Facilitated knowledge transfer, access to clinical information, and academic network
- The involvement of reputable partners attracted attention from the broader research community
SMEs reported positive impacts on product development from collaborations.
- Raised £32.55m in further investment, with C2NLDx credited as significant in securing funds
- Pump primed early-stage projects for further funding applications
- De-risked innovation and collaborative work
- Improved market understanding and investor attraction
- Enhanced cost effectiveness and refined value propositions
Why participants chose C2NLDx
Direct funding & resources:
Participants could receive up to £100,000 in seed funding, fueling their early-stage R&D and accelerating project development.
Expert collaboration & knowledge transfer:
C2NLDx facilitated partnerships with top academics, researchers, and industry leaders, enabling participants to gain invaluable insights and expertise
Unparalleled networking:
The program provided a curated platform for participants to connect with crucial partners, investors, and key stakeholders at exclusive networking events.
Accelerated market entry:
Participants benefited from structured guidance on validation, testing, and commercialisation, significantly reducing their time-to-market.
De-risked innovation:
Through structured support, the program helped participants reduce the inherent risks associated with early-stage innovation and collaborative work.
Supportive programme management:
Participants experienced flexible and responsive support from our team, designed to help them adapt and succeed throughout their project.
Case studies
MultiplAI, founded in Cambridge and London in 2021 by Dr. Charlie Luzzani, Dr. Santiago Miriuka, and Mark Ramondt, develops RNA-based AI tools for cardiovascular disease screening.
Dr. Luzzani is a molecular biologist, Dr. Miriuka is a cardiologist and data scientist, and Ramondt is an entrepreneur. Together, they drive MultiplAI’s mission to improve early diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Why they chose C2NLDx?
C2NLDx gave MultiplAI the opportunity to expand their expertise and capabilities through partnerships. They sought academic collaboration to gain insights for developing their RNA-based AI screening technology for cardiovascular disease, enhancing RNA sequencing analysis and future development.
Most valuable aspects of the programme?
C2NLDx’s matchmaking process was highly valuable for MultiplAI. It connected them with three potential collaborative partners, ultimately leading to a successful partnership with Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) researchers, known for their excellence in cardiovascular research.
What breakthroughs did C2NLDx enable?
C2NLDx enabled MultiplAI to bring both RNA and DNA sequencing online, facilitating the identification of cardiovascular disease clues for early diagnosis. This significantly advanced their screening technology. Additionally, sequencing costs dropped from £1000 to less than £100 per sample, making simultaneous RNA and DNA testing feasible.
How did C2NLDx impact your business growth?
C2NLDx helped MultiplAI create two full-time jobs and secure £13.2m in private investment. The collaboration provided vital expertise and support, enabling further research and advancing their product toward commercial and clinical use.
BioMavericks are a bioinformatics startup founded in London in 2021 by Andrew Guo that develops AI tools for cancer screening and monitoring.
Andrew is a biologist with over ten years’ experience in cancer research, developmental biology and immunology. He earned his PhD from the University of Hong Kong and completed a postdoc at Cambridge before founding BioMavericks.
Why they chose C2NLDx?
C2NLDx provided BioMavericks with prestigious academic support, helping them overcome funding limits and attract investors. The programme facilitated collaboration with top researchers and companies, offering the expertise needed to advance and market their diagnostic innovations.
What breakthroughs did C2NLDx enable?
C2NLDx enabled BioMavericks to identify molecular signatures for early-stage pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates and reducing diagnostic costs from £6,500 to £150 per patient. The partnership with University College London was crucial, providing essential expertise.
Most valuable aspects of the programme?
The programme’s networking events, expert matchmaking, and continuous support were invaluable. BioMavericks connected with IP lawyers, potential collaborators, and healthcare organisations, leading to partnerships like their collaboration with NHS Trust East Kent for clinical trials.
How did C2NLDx impact your business growth?
C2NLDx helped BioMavericks secure £3m in private investment and a large Innovate UK grant. It also fostered partnerships, including one with Discovery Park for ongoing business support and another with NHS Trust East Kent for clinical trials.
Programme details
Key details
- Funding per SME: Up to £100,000 in seed funding.
- Programme status: Initial phase successfully concluded; seeking funding partners for the next phase.
- Location focus: Supports London-based SMEs.
- Participants per phase: Up to 10 SMEs supported per programme phase.
- Duration: 12 months
Eligibility criteria
The C2NLDx Programme is designed for:
- Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) based in London.
- Companies with innovative diagnostic products or solutions.
- SMEs actively seeking to develop, validate, and bring new diagnostic products to market.
- Organisations committed to collaboration with academic, clinical, and industry partners.
Specific criteria for the next phase will be detailed upon the launch of funding partnerships
Collaborators
The C2NLDx Programme thrives on the power of collaboration. We pride ourselves on connecting innovative SMEs with a diverse network of leading experts and institutions, fostering an environment of shared knowledge and accelerated progress. Our partners include:
- Top researchers and academic institutions: Gain access to cutting-edge research, state-of-the-art facilities, and specialised expertise from London’s world-renowned universities and research centres.
- Leading companies and industry experts: Collaborate with established industry players to refine your product, understand market needs, and navigate the commercial landscape.
- Impactful charities and healthcare organisations: Work alongside organisations at the forefront of patient care and advocacy, ensuring your innovations address real-world needs and have a tangible impact.
Ready to make an impact?
For more details about the programme, download the independent evaluation report. This evaluation assesses the Programme against its aims, objectives, and outputs.
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