Kent startup joins £8.2M research project to revolutionise medicines manufacturing

Sandwich, UK – 11 December 2025: Particology, a specialist particle science company based at science and business hub Discovery Park, has been selected for an £8.2M Government-funded research consortium to make the manufacture of medicines more efficient and sustainable.

The three-and-a-half year research project is part of Innovate UK’s £54M Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Programme and is one of eight “Grand Challenge” projects to develop and demonstrate novel technologies for greener, more efficient medicines manufacturing.

The consortium’s investment has already allowed Particology to hire a new Spectroscopy Research Associate, based on-site in Sandwich, to begin work in January.

Particology is focusing on the crystallisation of active pharmaceutical ingredients as the project’s industry lead in that area, using particle science and precision sensing to study crystals in greater detail than ever seen before. Crystallisation is an important step in the development of many drugs, purifying the active ingredients before they are packaged as a tablet or capsule. Particology’s research will advance real-time confirmation of crystallisation quality, meaning medicines can be made with fewer materials and waste products, and lower power requirements. The Particology team will carry out initial testing and development work on paracetamol and other common medicines, with the end goal of creating new technology for medicine manufacturers all over the world, driving economic growth and keeping the UK at the forefront of innovation.

Dr John Murphy, Chief Operating Officer at Particology, said: “This innovative programme will transform the future of medicines manufacture, making production more efficient and sustainable. The investment from Innovate UK has already allowed us to expand our team and work with local partners, providing a much-needed boost to the scientific ecosystem right here in Kent.”

Mark Talford, Deputy Director for Medicines Manufacturing at Innovate UK, said: “With funding from the VPAG Investment Programme, Innovate UK’s Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Programme is driving greener, more efficient approaches to medicines production. Seeing Particology lead this work at Discovery Park in Kent demonstrates how regional innovation can deliver national impact. This collaboration will not only advance cutting-edge crystallisation technologies but also create high-value jobs and expertise, reinforcing Kent’s long-standing role in the UK’s life sciences sector and helping keep the UK at the forefront of global pharmaceutical manufacturing.”

Chris Broom, Head of Business Development at Discovery Park, added: “This latest Innovate UK grant is testament to the incredible expertise of the Particology team. Bringing this project to Kent demonstrates what’s possible when you combine world-class scientific talent with supportive infrastructure. Discovery Park is proud to be home to game-changing research on sustainable medicines manufacture.”

Founded in 2024 by seven co-founders all local to Sandwich, Particology has now almost doubled its headcount to 12 team members and counting, offering services to clients across pharmaceutical, food, agriculture and cosmetics industries. All of Particology’s co-founders formerly worked for Pfizer, taking a leap to start Particology to keep scientific talent in Kent and create new employment opportunities.

The research consortium was impressed with Discovery Park’s world-class facilities, laboratories and infrastructure when visiting Particology as part of their application. The ecosystem at Discovery Park has also supported their business, with the team receiving guidance on company set up, along with advice and services from on-site suppliers.

The project will run until 2029, with results expected to position the UK as a global leader in sustainable medicines manufacturing while creating high-value jobs and expertise in Kent.

ENDS

Notes for editors:

About Particology
Particology is an expert particle science contract research and development organisation providing integrated, end-to-end particle science and technology services, understanding the link between particle properties and product performance.

With state-of-the-art lab facilities at Discovery Park in Sandwich, UK, Particology provides laboratory and consultancy services tailored for small molecule innovators — from emerging life science companies to global pharmaceutical organisations — using a blend of technical expertise and end-to-end development experience, uniquely positioned to help deliver molecules through to manufacture.

Particology Ltd is working alongside industry and academic partners from across the UK to deliver InSPIREmed – Integrated Spectroscopy and Photonics for Increased Productivity and Resource Efficiency in Medicines Manufacture, one of eight innovative R&D projects through the Innovate UK Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Programme.

www.particology.com

About Discovery Park
Discovery Park is one of the UK’s leading science and innovation campuses, providing a dynamic base for life science companies ranging from early-stage start-ups to global corporations. Located in Kent, with excellent connectivity to London and Europe, Discovery Park offers an ideal environment for businesses to start, scale and succeed.

With more than 180 companies on site including Pfizer, Asymchem, Cummins, ZeroAvia, GrowUp Farms, Viatris, Concept Life Sciences, Resolian, Psyros Diagnostics and York Bio, Discovery Park is home to a thriving ecosystem of innovators. The 220-acre site offers cutting-edge laboratories, flexible office and manufacturing space, and a highly supportive infrastructure tailored to the needs of science and technology businesses.

As part of its commitment to nurturing innovation, Discovery Park is home to CoLab, a shared laboratory facility developed in partnership with Canterbury Christ Church University, offering flexible bench space and technical support to early-stage companies. In addition, the Discovery Spark programme equips science and tech founders with the commercial skills, strategic insights, and investor-readiness needed to grow sustainably.

Recognised as a Life Science Opportunity Zone, Discovery Park benefits from a robust utilities infrastructure, 100% renewable electricity, and a strong pipeline of local STEM talent, underpinned by partnerships with leading academic institutions. With its strategic location, vibrant community, and access to finance through its own fund, Discovery Park Ventures, the campus plays a central role in Kent’s flourishing science and technology cluster and is an extension of the UK’s prestigious Golden Triangle.

Discover more: www.discovery-park.co.uk
E: info@discovery-park.co.uk, T: 01304 614060.

Media contact:
Sophie Dufour, sophie@helix-pr.com