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§ Grant
Grant for academic and commercial organizations developing biomedical technologies from research to market-ready products.
Wellcome provides GBP 500,000-5,000,000 to academic biomedical researchers at proof-of-concept, bridging the gap between scientific discovery and commercial development of medicines and health technologies.
Academic biomedical researchers worldwide at proof-of-concept stage with promising discoveries needing translational data to attract industry interest, at universities, institutes, and hospitals.
GBP 500,000 to GBP 5,000,000 for target validation, preclinical studies, biomarker development, and proof-of-concept clinical work, plus drug discovery expertise and industry connections.
Submit through Wellcome's online system with a preliminary application, then full proposal if shortlisted. Include scientific rationale, translational plan, IP position, and milestones.
Novel antimicrobials, cancer therapeutics, rare disease treatments, diagnostics, and vaccines. Projects have attracted pharma partnerships, spin-out companies, and advanced to clinical trials.
The Wellcome Trust Translation Fund is a grant program administered by the Wellcome Trust that bridges the gap between early-stage academic biomedical research and commercial adoption. The initiative historically provided two- to three-year awards ranging from £500,000 to £5 million to support the development of therapeutics, medical devices, and diagnostics from the proof-of-concept stage to market readiness. Although the standalone scheme is currently closed to new applications following a strategic restructuring into broader challenge-led funding schemes, the organization previously dedicated approximately £50 million annually to translational research. Past funded projects and associated entities have included PsiOxus Therapeutics, Bharat Biotech, Thermofluidics, the University of Cardiff, and University College Cork. This specific funding resource targets academic researchers, university spin-outs, and early-stage life sciences startups seeking financial support to translate fundamental scientific discoveries into viable commercial and clinical solutions.
The Wellcome Trust Translation Fund provides GBP 500,000 to GBP 5,000,000 to academic biomedical researchers at the proof-of-concept stage. The fund bridges the gap between academic research and commercial development, supporting the critical early translation steps that turn promising scientific discoveries into potential medicines, diagnostics, and health technologies. Wellcome is one of the world's largest biomedical research charities, and the Translation Fund represents its commitment to ensuring research reaches patients.
Academic biomedical researchers at proof-of-concept stage are eligible. Applicants should have a promising scientific discovery with potential therapeutic, diagnostic, or health technology application. The research should be at the stage where additional funding is needed to generate data that would attract industry or investor interest. Researchers at universities, research institutes, and hospitals worldwide can apply, reflecting Wellcome's global mission.
Grants of GBP 500,000 to GBP 5,000,000 fund translational research activities including target validation, lead compound optimization, preclinical studies, biomarker development, and proof-of-concept clinical studies. Wellcome also provides access to drug discovery expertise, commercial development guidance, and connections to pharmaceutical and biotech industry partners. The fund supports researchers through the "valley of death" between academic discovery and commercial investment.
Applications are submitted through Wellcome's online grants system. The process typically involves a preliminary application followed by a full proposal for shortlisted projects. Applications must describe the scientific rationale, translational plan, IP position, development milestones, team, and budget. Expert review panels assess the scientific quality, translational potential, commercial viability, and team capability. Wellcome's translational advisors provide guidance throughout the application process.
The Translation Fund has supported groundbreaking biomedical research including novel antimicrobial compounds, innovative cancer therapeutics, rare disease treatments, diagnostic technologies, and vaccine development platforms. Funded projects have gone on to attract pharmaceutical company partnerships, spin-out company formation, and clinical trials. The program has been instrumental in translating academic discoveries from universities worldwide into potential health interventions.