Pioneer Group has teamed up with global pharmaceutical company Daiichi Sankyo to launch a Golden Ticket designed to help drive forward innovations in novel therapeutic platform technologies, oncology, neuroscience, and ophthalmology.
The Golden Ticket programme is aimed at early-stage biotech companies focused on novel drug targets and transformational medicines, with robust research plans and potential for successful research development.
Daiichi Sankyo and Pioneer Group want to hear from trailblazing science and technology founders as well as innovators from established businesses who are creating game-changing approaches in the following areas:
Novel Modalities & Technologies:
- RNA-targeting therapeutics
- Drug delivery technologies for targeting organs & cells
- Proximity inducing modalities
- Protein/cell/virus/genetic engineering technologies
Oncology:
- Novel tumour-specific therapeutic modalities with a unique approach or mechanism, and unique methods for discovering tumour-specific binders
Specialty Medicine:
- Novel research for identifying disease-relevant targets using patient tissue samples in central nervous system and ophthalmology
The winning company will unlock a wealth of opportunities:
- 12-month rent-free incubation space in London, Dublin, Glasgow or Nottingham
- Access to Pioneer’s Venture Programmes to support commercial de-risking
- Mentoring and support from Pioneer’s Expert Network and specialist business coaches
- Mentoring and support from Daiichi Sankyo’s drug discovery & development experts
- Access Pioneer’s inspiring ecosystem, events and annual Investment Showcase
The partnership is the fifth Golden Ticket programme run by Pioneer Group, with previous programmes formed through collaborations with Novo Nordisk, CPI, AbbVie and Astellas.
Ayokunmi Ajetunmobi, Head of Ventures at Pioneer Group, says: “We are thrilled to be launching this exciting partnership with Daiichi Sankyo – a company that shares our passion for innovation. The Golden Ticket provides early-stage company founders as well as innovators from well established businesses with the chance to harness Pioneer’s world-class resources and take their ideas to the next level. If you’re working on a groundbreaking solution in the critical areas of oncology, neuroscience, ophthalmology, or novel therapeutic platform technologies, we want to support you in turning your vision into reality.”
Entries to the Golden Ticket competition will close on 30 May 2025. All applications will be reviewed by the Daiichi Sankyo and Pioneer Group selection committee, and shortlisted candidates will be invited to virtual pitching event. The Golden Ticket winner will be announced in June 2025, with the successful candidate invited to move in to their chosen incubator space from June 2025.