The Francis Crick Institute and Medicines Discovery Catapult Open KQ Labs Applications, Accelerating the Next Wave of Data-Driven Health Innovation

The Francis Crick Institute and Medicines Discovery Catapult (MDC) have opened applications for the ninth cohort of KQ Labs, a national accelerator for data-driven health start-ups.

KQ Labs is an annual five-month programme for early-stage companies building science-backed, scalable solutions in AI-driven drug discovery, digital health, and precision medicine.

Applications for the ninth cohort are open, with the deadline on Wednesday, 12 August 2026 at midnight.

Past cohorts have helped early-stage life sciences innovators raise over £230 million, with KQ Labs alumni raising £219 million to date for the first six cohorts.

The accelerator offers tailored support, mentoring, workshops, investor connections, and £40,000 in convertible loan funding for selected start-ups.