UK’s first microgravity biopharma accelerator funds skin-aging and biomining research

Two UK research teams have received proof-of-concept funding to investigate whether microgravity can accelerate skin-aging research and support more sustainable metal recovery.

Announced through the IBIC x Catapult Microgravity Biopharma Accelerator, the projects bring together universities, biotechnology companies and space specialists following a matchmaking workshop held in Manchester in April 2026. The program, run by the Satellite Applications Catapult and the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst (IBIC), uses orbit as a practical life sciences research environment to identify measurable scientific and commercial benefits that cannot be achieved on Earth.

Two microgravity research projects receive funding

The funded projects are SPACE AGE, led by the University of Liverpool in partnership with biotechnology company GMP Manufacturing Ltd and microgravity specialist Space Cargo Unlimited, and Co-Crystals: Microgravity Enhanced Crystallisation of Metalloproteins for Bio-mining, led by the University of Salford in partnership with biotechnology company LanthaGen Bio and microgravity specialist Kayser Space.

Each project has received an IBIC proof-of-concept award of around £50,000. The Satellite Applications Catapult will also provide tailored, in-kind technical and commercial support.

SPACE AGE explores accelerated skin-aging research

SPACE AGE builds on evidence that microgravity causes changes in human cells that resemble aging, but develops those changes over weeks rather than decades. The project will investigate whether the same effect occurs in skin.

If confirmed, this accelerated model could allow researchers to test skin treatments in a fraction of the time normally required, potentially supporting faster health and treatment development.

Co-Crystals investigates sustainable biomining

Co-Crystals focuses on metalloproteins, which bind metals and could help recover valuable materials from ores and waste while using less energy and fewer harsh chemicals than conventional extraction methods.

Protein crystals grown in microgravity are often larger and better ordered than those produced on Earth. These properties could give researchers a clearer view of how metalloproteins capture metals and help them design improved proteins for biomining applications.

Using microgravity as a practical research tool

The program treats microgravity as a research tool rather than a destination. Its purpose is to help life sciences organisations identify where altered gravity offers a measurable scientific or commercial advantage.

It also aims to establish a repeatable model that connects the UK’s regional biotechnology capabilities with its space sector.

Nasreen Dhanji, Beyond Earth Mission Lead at the Satellite Applications Catapult, said, “The strongest microgravity projects start with a clear challenge on Earth. This accelerator has brought together the scientific, commercial and space expertise needed to turn promising ideas into practical proof-of-concept projects. SPACE AGE and Co-Crystals show the breadth of the opportunity, from health and treatment development to more sustainable approaches for biomining.”

Professor Aline Miller, Director of the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst (IBIC), added, “North-west England has deep strengths in industrial biotechnology, and part of IBIC’s job is to help those researchers and businesses reach new markets. Microgravity gives our community a research setting that few have been able to use, and proof-of-concept funding lets teams find out quickly whether it gives them a real advantage. SPACE AGE and Co-Crystals show what can happen when biotechnology and space specialists work on the same problem from the start.”

ELRIG Drug Discovery 2026

Representatives from the funded projects and program partners participated in a panel hosted by the Satellite Applications Catapult at ELRIG Drug Discovery 2026 on October 14, at ExCeL London.

The session, ‘Beyond the lab: Expanding biopharma R&D into new environments’, introduced the projects and explored how research environments beyond conventional laboratories, including microgravity, can help biotechnology address questions that cannot be answered on the ground.

Panellists discussed the science behind the projects, the partnerships created through the accelerator and the route from proof of concept to demonstration and commercial use.

Supporting commercially accessible microgravity research

The accelerator forms part of the Satellite Applications Catapult’s Beyond Earth mission, which works to make microgravity research commercially accessible to UK businesses.

Results from SPACE AGE and Co-Crystals will inform future demonstrations and investment decisions. Where supported by the evidence, the findings could also lead to experiments in orbit.

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