A new funded programme will support start-ups applying structural chemistry data, AI and machine learning to solve real-world scientific challenges

The Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC) today announced the launch of the CCDC Innovation Fund, a new seed funding programme designed to support emerging companies developing innovative solutions in structural chemistry.

The fund, backed by an initial commitment from the CCDC of up to £300,000, will provide early-stage support to start-ups and university spin-outs seeking to transform structural chemistry research into impactful scientific and commercial applications. The programme is being launched at the 26th Congress and General Assembly of the International Union of Crystallography (IUCr 2026) in Calgary.

The CCDC Innovation Fund will focus on organisations developing novel tools, workflows and applications built on structural chemistry data, particularly those combining scientific expertise with advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). The programme is open to eligible companies worldwide.

Accelerating innovation through partnership

The initiative reflects the CCDC’s charitable mission and long-term vision to be “the catalyst for solving real-world scientific challenges by connecting structural chemistry data, people, and scientific tools.”

By supporting innovative start-ups at a critical stage of development, the CCDC aims to accelerate scientific discovery and expand the impact of the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD), the world’s leading repository of small-molecule crystal structures.

“Structural chemistry is entering an exciting new era, driven by advances in data science and artificial intelligence. Many of the most innovative ideas are emerging from university laboratories and entrepreneurial scientists, but early access to funding and resources can be a significant barrier. Through the CCDC Innovation Fund, we want to help bridge that gap and support the development of solutions that can deliver meaningful scientific and societal impact,” said Nigel Pitchford, Chair of CCDC Board.

Support beyond funding

In addition to financial investment, successful applicants may receive:

• Access to the CSD.
• Access to relevant scientific and technical expertise within the CCDC.
• Opportunities to engage with the CCDC’s global network of academic and industrial users.
• Visibility within the wider structural chemistry community.

The programme will focus on supporting ventures that extend the impact and application of structural chemistry data in areas complementary to the CCDC’s core mission and expertise.

Creating long-term value for science

The programme is primarily intended to advance scientific innovation and support the structural chemistry community. Any financial returns are being reinvested to further CCDC’s charitable purpose.

“The structural chemistry ecosystem thrives when researchers, entrepreneurs and institutions work together,” said Suzanna Ward, CCDC Executive Director. “Our role is to connect trusted data, scientific expertise and innovative people. By supporting promising start-ups built around structural chemistry data, we can help accelerate scientific progress in ways that would not be possible through our own activities alone.“

The Innovation Fund forms part of CCDC’s broader strategy to increase the impact of trusted structural chemistry data through modern scientific workflows, partnerships and community-led innovation.

How to apply

Applications and further details about eligibility, funding criteria and timelines can be found at https://www.ccdc.cam.ac.uk/discover/news/ccdc-launches-innovation-fund-to-accelerate-the-next-generation-of-structural-chemistry-ventures/

Editors notes

About the CCDC

The Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC) are world-leading experts in structural chemistry data, software and knowledge for materials and life sciences research and development.

We specialise in the collation, preservation, and application of scientific structural data for use in pharmaceutical discovery, materials development and research and education.

We compile and distribute the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD), a certified trusted database of fully curated and enhanced organic and metal-organic structures, used by researchers across the globe.

We inspire the next generation of scientists through our educational and outreach activities, and through our PhD sponsorships and engagement grants.

We empower scientists of all backgrounds to achieve their research goals through our FAIRE access programme as part of our non-profit, charitable status.

Our software helps scientists extract insights from CSD and proprietary data, informing and accelerating their research & development.

The Innovation Fund builds on this long-standing approach and is intended to support our community to turn scientific ideas into real-world impact.