Unlocking innovation

Deep tech chemistry technologies are at risk of not reaching their full potential due to a shortage of chemistry labs across the UK. Our Unlocking Innovation report explores the deep-rooted reasons for this and asks how we can collaborate to tackle the problem. 

The challenge

Whether it is about climate change, human health or sustainable industries, we are in the decisive decade to make progress. Deep tech chemistry can transform the way we live today and help secure a cleaner and better future.

However, entrepreneurial ventures developing these technologies are stuck. With long experimental and development timelines, ventures cannot find suitable facilities to carry out the research or scale-up of these technologies. Game changing technologies are on the brink of failing. No laboratory, no technology research, no impact.

The lack of access to suitable laboratory facilities at different stages in deep tech chemistry development has persisted for decades, perpetuated by siloed thinking, bureaucracy and a clunky and unsupportive system.

A systems change approach

Complex and enduring problems - like a lack of access to chemistry labs - require an approach that identifies the root causes and where best to intervene to deliver lasting change. We convened a diverse network of stakeholders to gather insight and understanding. We distilled down vast amounts of lived experience, evidence and knowledge and developed a map showing the key dynamics at play.