Medicines Discovery Catapult Becomes Latest Innovate UK-Backed Knowledge Base for Life Sciences

Medicines Discovery Catapult (MDC) has been named as a new Innovate UK Knowledge Base in the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme, strengthening the UK’s life sciences innovation ecosystem. MDC will now act as a partner in KTPs — working with businesses and embedding KTP Associates into projects (12 to 36 months) to transfer advanced knowledge in drug discovery and commercialisation. 

As a Knowledge Base, MDC offers access to its extensive laboratory infrastructure, technical skills, and translational capabilities. This gives participating firms a path to validate new ideas, reduce development risks, and accelerate bringing therapies to patients. 

KTPs combine public and private resources: Innovate UK co-funds projects alongside partner companies. Since 2010, KTP projects have added over £2 billion in value to the economy and engaged many firms, graduates, and knowledge institutions. 

Chris Molloy, CEO of MDC, emphasised that many UK biotech innovators have strong science but struggle with industrial translation. MDC’s role will be to help them become “Fit To Fund and Grow.”  Innovate UK’s KTP managers noted that MDC’s domain expertise and facilities are expected to catalyse more drug discovery innovation across the country. 

This new status positions MDC closer to the heart of UK translational research, creating more opportunities for emerging life sciences ventures to tap into structured support, talent, and infrastructure as they scale.