Widening Access to Life Science Careers for Every Young Person
Biotech Access CIC bridges the gap between students and the UK biotechnology and life sciences industry — through mentorship, lab skills, and real industry connections.
Biotech Access is a non-profit Community Interest Company established to tackle the critical skills gap in the UK’s biotechnology and life sciences sector. We mentor students and provide equitable, hands-on access to industry-standard lab skills in secondary schools, colleges, and sixth forms.
Our primary community of benefit is young people aged 11–19 in state-funded schools across the UK, with a specific focus on students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM — including female students and ethnic minorities.
To remove barriers to life science careers by widening access through strategic partnerships between industries, universities, schools and students.
To build a future-ready, talented life sciences workforce that is never limited by opportunity — where mentorship, skills, and passion unlock careers that transform science and society.
Enable Access · Empower Growth · Connect Partners · Ensure Impact
Everything we do is guided by these four principles — to serve our community with integrity and purpose.
Young people in state-funded secondary schools, colleges, and sixth forms across the United Kingdom — at the critical stage where science interests are formed and career paths begin to take shape.
We specifically focus on students from underrepresented backgrounds, including female students and ethnic minorities, who face systemic barriers to entering the life sciences sector.
Every activity is designed to give students the exposure, skills, and connections they need to pursue a rewarding career in biotech and life sciences.
We organise seminars and career fairs that introduce students to career opportunities in the biotech and life science sectors. Schools are connected with young biopreneurs, biomedical scientists, and industry professionals who mentor and inspire the next generation of scientists.
We organise hands-on lab workshops that help students develop real, industry-standard skills. By building practical experience, we stimulate genuine interest and the confidence students need to progress into this field with assurance and ambition.
We widen access to biotech and life science careers by connecting students to real industry internship and apprenticeship opportunities — giving underrepresented young people the direct experience and network they deserve to break into the sector.
We are committed to equipping students with the essential employability skills required to thrive in the competitive biotechnology and biomedical sectors. We provide students with unique opportunities to engage in mock interviews with industry professionals and mentors. These sessions are designed to build confidence, refine communication skills, and provide constructive feedback that prepares students for real-world recruitment processes. Whether you are navigating UCAS applications or seeking your first role in the industry, Biotech Access is here to support your journey from the classroom to the career.
We facilitate university and lab visits that widen participation for students who may not traditionally consider higher education. By making university life tangible and accessible, we open minds and create clear pathways into degree-level life sciences study.
We believe in the power of collaboration. We invite industries, schools, universities, and funders to join us in empowering the next generation of life science innovators.
Whether you’re a student, a school, an industry partner, or a supporter — we’d love to hear from you. All enquiries are welcome.