Animal Health Incubator
Advancing animal health through
innovation and collaboration
The goal of the incubator is to help start-ups with new ideas to bring innovative animal health products and technologies to market faster and more efficiently. The incubator offers a range of services including office space, mentorship and guidance from industry experts, and access to funding and investment opportunities. The incubator also encourages collaboration and networking between the companies, the university’s research community, and the wider animal health ecosystem.
In addition, the incubator also provides companies with exposure to industry partners and potential customers. In collaboration with SETsquared Surrey, the incubator also offers training and educational programs, such as workshops and seminars, to help companies develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the animal health market.
The vHive Incubator does not take any equity or share of IP of startups taking part.
The vHive Animal Health Incubator at the University of Surrey is designed to support early-stage start-ups and entrepreneurs in animal health by providing access to resources, training and expertise in areas such as business planning, product development and commercialisation.
Benefits of Joining the Incubator
- No equity or IP share taken to take part in the vHive Incubator
- Access to the £100,000 annual Zoetis-vHive Collaboration Fund, which funds projects between vHive members and University of Surrey academics
- Access to 20+ industry mentors with experience across veterinary markets, pharma, investment, commercial strategy, and food production and supply
- Workshops and opportunities to pitch to investors, veterinary professionals, and industry decision-makers
- Join a community of 30+ animal health startups that have collectively raised £8M+
- Opportunities to work with researchers from the School of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biosciences, and other relevant disciplines at Surrey, including research, testing, and consultancy projects
Who Can Apply
Early-stage start-ups and small businesses focussed on developing animal health products, services or technologies
Companies that specialise in veterinary pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and diagnostic tools
Biotechnology firms working on animal vaccines, gene therapy, monoclonal antibodies and other innovative therapies
Agritech companies developing sustainable solutions for animal nutrition and feed efficiency
Digital health and telemedicine companies providing remote monitoring and treatment options for animals
Translational ideas from human to animal health
Entrepreneurs and inventors developing integrated data solutions and analytics in animal health
Biomarker start-ups with animal health applications
Companies with strong digital and AI skills with an interest in animal health
OUT OF SCOPE
We do not support companies looking at alternative proteins, nutrition, or companion animal retail products
Selection Process and Criteria
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All companies must go through a selective process to take part in the vHive Incubator. Each application is reviewed by a member of the vHive and Zoetis team. After the application review, we invite interested organisations to a short interview to get a better sense of the company ahead of acceptance to the Incubator.
Selected companies will be chosen based on the following criteria:
- Strength of the idea
- The idea is realistic, well-developed and demonstrates a strong connection to the core themes of the vHive or has a very high potential to if moving from a different market. The product/ service has a strong value proposition for the Animal Health.
- Team Experience
- The team has the relevant experience and skillsets to build and deliver their product/ market in the animal health market / is aware of the gaps in their team to be able to grow their business/ enter the animal health market.
- Growth Potential
- The team has the relevant experience and skillsets to build and deliver their product/ market in the animal health market / is aware of the gaps in their team to be able to grow their business/ enter the animal health market.
- Ability to Incubate
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The team understand what they require from the incubator and are open to coaching/support from the vHive team and partners.
- Innovativeness
- The product/service is unique and novel and has the ability to disrupt the animal health market significantly.