The UK bioscience innovation community will come together again in spring 2026 as the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) announces the return of its flagship Sparking Innovation Conference
Taking place over two days from 21 to 22 April 2026, the Sparking Innovation Conference will be hosted at Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium in Leicester and is free to attend.
Now in its fourth consecutive year, the Sparking Innovation Conference has become a key date in the bioscience innovation calendar, bringing together researchers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers to help turn cutting-edge research into real-world impact. Registration is set to open in January 2026, with the deadline to be confirmed.
Supporting the Bioscience innovation ecosystem
Sparking Innovation Conference 2026 is designed to strengthen the UK’s bioscience innovation ecosystem by encouraging collaboration and knowledge exchange across sectors. The conference will focus on helping attendees navigate the journey from discovery to application, while also building the skills and connections needed to support commercial success.
Key aims of the event include connecting academia, industry and investors to accelerate routes to impact, supporting the development of entrepreneurial and commercialisation capabilities, and showcasing a wide range of career opportunities across the bioscience innovation landscape. As part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), BBSRC will also highlight live commercialisation opportunities and the support available.
Conference programme highlights
The two-day programme will feature a series of dedicated panel sessions exploring major themes in bioscience innovation. Topics will include commercialisation from lab to market, building sustainable models for translation, and what is needed to create and sustain a thriving innovation ecosystem.
Alongside the panel discussions, attendees can expect a keynote session focused on the importance of bioscience innovation, as well as a bio-innovation showcase and poster session featuring projects from across the community. A popular highlight of the conference will be the return of the well-known Demo Day, where companies will pitch their ideas to a panel of investors.
What attendees can expect
Sparking Innovation Conference 2026 will offer an engaging mix of inspiring talks, real-world success stories and practical insights into how bioscience innovation delivers economic and societal benefits. The event is designed to be accessible and welcoming, providing plenty of opportunities for informal networking with researchers, industry professionals and investors.
Participants will also have the chance to learn more about innovation and commercialisation opportunities available through BBSRC and UKRI, and to explore how they can get involved in shaping the future of UK bioscience.
About BBSRC’S knowledge exchange and commercialisation unit
The Sparking Innovation Conference is delivered by BBSRC’s Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation Unit, which works to unlock bioscience breakthroughs that deliver real-world impact. Its activities focus on knowledge exchange, innovation capability, strategy and policy, translation, and enterprise and venture support.
This work is delivered through a wide range of programmes and partnerships, including BBSRC strategically supported research institutes, research and innovation campuses, BioFutures, ICURe, Impact Accelerator Accounts, and multidisciplinary commercialisation initiatives in partnership with organisations such as Zinc.
Those interested in attending are encouraged to subscribe to the BBSRC Innovation Bulletin to be the first to hear when registration opens. Further information can also be requested by contacting sparkinginnovation@bbsrc.ukri.org.
