Ten data-driven health start-ups graduate from KQ Labs Cohort 8
KQ Labs, the data-driven health accelerator delivered by the Francis Crick Institute, celebrated the graduation of its eighth cohort at Demo Day on Tuesday 30th June.
Ten start-ups pitched to over 120 investors and industry leaders at the Wellcome Collection, with additional guests joining virtually, before the evening moved into the venue's 'Being Human' exhibition for a networking reception.
The event closed a five-month programme that began in February 2026, during which the cohort worked through weekly workshops, one-to-one mentoring from sector experts and business leaders, and structured introductions to corporates and investors via dedicated office hours. Each participating company also received £40,000 in funding through a SAFE note.
Between them, the ten graduating companies cover areas from AI-powered precision ophthalmology, to a neurosurgery tool, breath-based cancer diagnostics, clinical decision support software, AI drug discovery platforms and more – a snapshot of the innovation at the forefront of data-driven health.
“The programme has sharpened our thinking, challenged some assumptions around investment and growth, and helped us become clearer about the kind of company we want to build. It has also given us access to brilliant mentors, peers and practical support as we prepare for the next stage of Fava’s journey.”
“KQ Labs has an incredible reputation in the startup ecosystem and an impressive list of alumni companies, including many from our home city of Bristol. It has been excellent and delivered diverse content to fill the gaps in our knowledge.”
KQ Labs has now taken eighty companies through the programme across eight cohorts. Three of the Cohort 8 teams raised whilst on the programme, with all teams further developing their fundraising strategy. The programme's wider ecosystem includes London Business School, with the opportunity for participating teams to recruit an intern MBA student, workshop collaborations with Central Saint Martins, and additional support for the teams sponsored by Cancer Research Horizons.
Collectively, alumni from Cohorts 1 to 7 have raised £234 million in follow-on funding, according to data from Beauhurst and PitchBook.
KQ Labs is delivered by the Francis Crick Institute, with funding for Cohort 8 from Medicines Discovery Catapult and sponsorship of two oncology-focussed places from Cancer Research Horizons.
Applications for KQ Labs Cohort 9 are now open and close at 5pm on Wednesday 12th August. The next cohort will be delivered in partnership with Medicines Discovery Catapult, with Cancer Research Horizons again funding a place for one oncology-focused company. Early-stage data-driven health start-ups can learn more and apply via the KQ Labs website.
Our team are available to discuss the programme and eligibility criteria with potential applicants – please contact kq-labs@crick.ac.uk
