Pioneer Group, a specialist in life science infrastructure and venture building, has launched a new Accelerator Programme for early-stage life science companies targeting unmet needs in the management of chronic conditions.
Funded by the Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst, in collaboration with the Medical Research Council, the Accelerator has been designed to support UK start-ups in the initial phases of their development.
Pioneer is inviting applications from companies targeting unmet needs in disease prevention or the proactive management, whether targeting a single health condition or multiple long-term conditions. The types of technologies that may benefit include:
- Medical devices & diagnostics
- Therapeutics and disease-modifying interventions
- Digital health & virtual care delivery
- Patient engagement and self-management tools
The Biomedical Catalyst is Innovate UK’s flagship grant funding mechanism, enabling small and medium sized businesses to test and develop innovative health and care solutions across life sciences, including therapeutics, medical devices, and digital health.
Pioneer’s AI in Health Accelerator Programme in 2025, also funded by the Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst, saw 17 companies which completed the Accelerator receive the feasibility grant award. These included Axiom Therapeutics, CardioVolt, Chiron AI, Cogitat, Emerald, Gutsee, Hormona/Wlness Science, Lighthearted AI, MolMart, ReproGo, Synlaia, TARS, Evermind AI, Combinate-tx.ai, Demetria, Prosemble Group, and Sinkove.
Ayokunmi Ajetunmobi, Head of Ventures at Pioneer, said:
“Through our Accelerator Programmes, we have supported over 300 entrepreneurs and provided funding to more than 180 companies to date. Notably, 38% of participating companies have been founded by women – a figure we are proud of and determined to grow. At Pioneer, we are especially committed to championing female founders in life sciences, and female founders developing therapeutics are of particular interest for this Accelerator.
“In the UK, it is estimated that 1 in 4 people live with two or more long-term health conditions – a number that continues to rise. This growing challenge underscores the urgent need for breakthrough therapies. Across our portfolio of programmes, we are passionate about partnering with entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, from idea to exit, offering expert commercial guidance, hands-on support, and access to grant funding to help accelerate progress in human health.”
The Managing Chronic Conditions Accelerator is the latest in a range of annual Accelerator Programmes offered by Pioneer. For 20 years, Pioneer has supported and invested in founders of cutting-edge life science technologies through a range of programmes, helping them to transfer ideas out of the lab and into the world.
Applications for the Accelerator are now open and close on 10 October 2025. Find out more: https://thepioneergroup.com/managing-chronic-conditions-accelerator/