Vortex Biotech Opens New State-of-the-Art Laboratory at Manchester Science Park
Expansion accelerates the development of its non-invasive cancer diagnostic solutions
We are delighted that our portfolio company Vortex Biotech has officially opened its advanced laboratory facilities at Manchester Science Park.
The facility significantly enhances the company’s R&D and commercial delivery capacity, and strengthens its position as a leader in liquid biopsy technologies for precision oncology.
Designed to GLP-ready specifications, the laboratories allow future expansion into clinical trial support and commercial product and services development. The site also serves as the company’s European hub for research partnerships, with planned collaborations in single-cell analysis, molecular profiling, and AI-driven data integration.
Nigel Brooksby, Non-Executive Chairman at Vortex, said:
“The establishment of our laboratory at Manchester Science Park is a strategic step in expanding collaborations with leading academic and clinical institutions and positions the company for growth.
“The Park’s proximity to the University of Manchester, NHS Manchester Foundation Trust, and a thriving life sciences ecosystem provides direct access to world-class expertise, clinical samples, and translational infrastructure essential for advancing liquid biopsy into clinical practice.”
To mark the opening, Vortex hosted a formal launch event on 26 January 2026 at its new Manchester facilities, bringing together regional stakeholders, investors, and members of the Greater Manchester innovation ecosystem. The event included presentations from the Vortex management team and EMVC CEO Ilian Iliev, as well as remarks from Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester. This was followed by tours of the new laboratories, technology demonstrations, and a celebratory reception.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, commented:
“Vortex Biotech’s expansion at Manchester Science Park is fantastic news for Greater Manchester and a further vote of confidence in our life sciences sector.
“This investment strengthens our established life sciences cluster on the Oxford Road Corridor, where companies can access the world-class research, clinical networks and talent they need to succeed.
“This new site will create high-skilled, high-value jobs for people across Greater Manchester, while developing diagnostic technologies that could improve the treatment of cancer worldwide.”
Joe Manning, Managing Director at MIDAS, Manchester’s Inward Investment Agency, added:
“Vortex Biotech’s decision to relocate from London to Manchester Science Park shows what Greater Manchester can offer life sciences companies looking to scale. The technology developed will enable earlier cancer detection through blood samples, strengthening Greater Manchester’s position in cancer diagnostics.
“The company chose our city region because we offer direct access to the University of Manchester’s research capabilities, partnerships through the NHS Manchester Foundation Trust, and a talented workforce. The expansion will create new skilled jobs in diagnostics, science, data and operations, with a commitment to developing local talent through apprenticeships and early-career pathways.”
With this expansion, Vortex is positioned to accelerate its commercialisation pathway and deliver non-invasive diagnostic solutions that improve outcomes for cancer patients worldwide.