BIO-INCUBATOR ALUMNI
Below, you will find details of companies who have now expanded and moved on from our bio-incubator, to the science parks in and around Cambridge. For further information on space in the bio-incubator, please email our Head of Entrepreneurship Alexandra Huener.
Virothera
Milner Bio-incubator: 2022 – 2026
Now based at: Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge
Contact: Ursula Gompels
Virothera (formerly Virokine Therapeutics) is engineering novel virus inspired human gene immunotherapy for new cures for infections, autoimmune disease and cancer. Their proprietary technologies can solve the problem of in vivo immune cell targeting, utilising gene expression of novel cell membrane antigen complexes and adapted human chemokines, regulators of immune cell delivery. Initially focused on virus infections, Virothera show high protective efficacy for their first products in preclinical in vivo models. With rapid genomics discovery, they aim to re-code immunity for new treatments.
Selected news:
Epitopea Closes USD $31 million Pre-Series A Financing
Epitopea is a new transatlantic cancer-immunotherapeutics company with operations in Cambridge and Montreal. The company builds on the recent discovery of an abundant new class of tumour-specific antigen. The company aims to discover additional antigens and prioritise the most promising for exploitation via multiple modalities to achieve our goal: guiding the adaptive immune system to control cancer.
Quote from Jon Moore April 2025:
Joining the Milner’s bio-incubator and community has been transformative for us. The superbly well-equipped space, helpful and flexible team, and access to Pharma partners and other networks has made this space the perfect launchpad for our growth.
XAP Therapeutics
Milner Bio-incubator: 2019-2022
Now based at: Babraham Research Campus
Contact: Co-founder James Patterson
Xap Therapeutics (formerly Rockend), co-founded by Dr James Patterson, is developing a next generation cell-based therapeutic. Their platform is based upon genetically engineered iPSCs, and makes use of multiple new advances across the synthetic biology and genome editing space. Xap aim to develop a non-immunogenic, intelligent and safe drug that could be used for the treatment of cancers, autoimmune diseases and various other unmet medical needs.
ENHANCED GENOMICS
Milner Bio-incubator: 2021 – 2022
Now based at: St John’s Innovation Centre, Cambridge
Contact: info@enhancedgenomics.com
Enhanc3D Genomics is a functional genomics spinout company from the Babraham Institute, leveraging a disruptive technology to profile three-dimensional (3D) genome folding at high resolution. Understanding DNA organisation and long-distance interactions allows to link gene enhancers and non-coding genetic variants to their target genes and holds promise to unlock disease-related genetics for therapeutic discovery. Debora Lucarelli is Enhanc3D Genomics’ CEO and has a keen interest in disruptive technologies that have potential to benefit human healthcare.
Case study from Debora Lucarelli, former CEO, July 2023:
Tell us a bit about Enhanc3d Genomics – what inspired you to start the company?
I have spent 15 years working with brilliant minds in academia and biotech industry and came to realise that no matter the setting it all comes down to one thing: “translation of a revolutionising concept to something with strong potential for commercialisation and high impact in human health”. When I met the academic founders of Enhanc3D Genomics, I immediately felt that their research and expertise could significantly impact the advent of precision medicine.
What is most beneficial about starting a company in Cambridge, and particularly in the Milner Institute environment?
The support! The labs are state of the art with access to key equipment, the people are skilled and supportive, and the start-up eco-system is friendly and stimulating. The institute also provides exposure to academic and pharma partners, communications support and networking events as well as high-profile science through seminars and the annual symposium.
What’s next for Enhanc3d Genomics?
Enhanc3D Genomics is paving the way to a new era for therapeutic development by harnessing the power of 3D genomics and integrating multi-OMICs data collected from human samples. Enhancc3D is now completing its infrastructure set-up in preparation for early commercial partnerships, as well as establishing research programmes in immune-related disease for target and biomarker discovery.