Acceleration Program Manager (UK)

Are you passionate about turning breakthrough science into investment-ready companies?

Do you thrive on designing and running programs that take researchers and startups from idea to impact?

Then we might have the perfect opportunity at BioInnovation Institute, where we are seeking a Program Manager to lead our acceleration programs in the UK.

Your Opportunity to Join BII!

The BioInnovation Institute (BII) is a non-profit foundation established by the Novo Nordisk Foundation in 2018.

Its mission is to accelerate research and startups to bring forward bold solutions that improve human and planetary health.

BII supports collaborative, interdisciplinary innovation across Life Sciences and Deep Tech, helping transform cutting-edge research into viable companies so that new discoveries can deliver real impact for people and society.

BII is an Activation Partner of the Advanced Research + Invention Agency ( ARIA ) – a partnership that gives us access to a strong pipeline of ambitious UK research and helps turn breakthrough science into companies with real-world impact.

As our sole on-site Program Manager in the UK, you will have real ownership of the programs locally, backed by a passionate Program Management team at our headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark.

You will be responsible for running two programs: a 12-week program within the Acceleration Platform for researchers who wish to explore and test the commercial potential of their science, and a 12-month full-time venture acceleration program for incorporated startups.

Both programs run twice a year – four cohorts in total.

You will build on BII’s well-tested playbook from Copenhagen and adapt it to the UK innovation ecosystem.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Take overall responsibility for running two UK programs within venture creation and venture acceleration, with two cohorts of each per year – 4 in total

• Get familiar with BII’s program methodology and the principles behind translating science and creating investment-ready companies

• Design, plan, and execute program activities in the UK, adapted to the local innovation ecosystem and startup needs

• Work closely with the program managers in Copenhagen and the UK-based anchors who guide and support individual teams in reaching their milestones

• Set up and assess local partners contributing to specific program elements – from IP specialists and go-to-market experts to pitch trainers and more

• Ensure coordination within the Program Management team, including colleagues from several departments as well as external consultants and stakeholders

• Engage directly with the participating startups to ensure they get full value out of the program

• Collaborate closely with the Copenhagen team to align the programs and share learnings both ways

Professional & Personal Qualifications We seek a Program Manager who is motivated by the ambition of translating breakthrough science into viable, investment-ready companies through acceleration programs.

Besides this, you bring the following competencies and experiences:

• Minimum 5 years of experience within program management – experience with startup programs is preferred

• A solid project management toolbox and proven experience applying it

• Network and experience within the UK innovation ecosystem, preferably from an accelerator or incubator

• Excellent communication skills, including writing, presenting and public speaking

• Proficiency in English at a professional level, both written and spoken

• A team player with great collaboration skills, who values succeeding as a team

• Professional, quality-conscious and dependable, with the ability to work independently

• Comfortable with decision-making and able to build good relationships

Working at BII At BII we offer a purpose-driven community where science and innovation create meaningful change and impact in society.

BII’s entrepreneurial environment is shaped and nurtured every day by our employees, start-ups, and everyone who joins us in bringing science to life.

This role offers a unique opportunity to join Europe’s largest innovation and incubation initiative within life sciences and deep tech.

BII is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, at Ole Maaløes Vej 3, 2200 Copenhagen N.

From Copenhagen, the Secretariat supports strategy, governance, and coordination across BII’s international activities.

As Program Manager at our UK hub, you will join a small, dedicated team at Victoria House in Bloomsbury, in the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter, and play a key role in building and running BII’s acceleration programs in the UK, in close collaboration with the Program Management team in Copenhagen.

See our open positions at BII on our career page or on LinkedIn.

Equal Opportunities At BII, we believe innovation starts with people.

As a community of changemakers, we believe the best ideas emerge when people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences come together around a shared purpose.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace built on equal opportunities, where everyone can thrive and where pay is fair, equitable, and based on the principle of equal pay for equal work.

We welcome all applications regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or socio-economic background.