The Life Sciences accommodation programme from Scottish Enterprise supports the development of laboratory and manufacturing facilities for Scotland's life sciences sector. 

Capital funding of up to £4 million is available to support construction and fit-out costs. Funding support greater than £4 million may be available in some cases.

The programme supports projects that create new laboratory and manufacturing space for life sciences businesses, helping to address a shortage of specialist accommodation needed for company growth and investment.

The programme offers 2 types of funding support. The support available is:

• for construction and landlord (category A) fit-out
• for tenant specific fit-out

Projects applying for construction and landlord (Cat-A) fit-out support should:

• deliver flexible, multi occupier laboratory or manufacturing space
• operate at a commercially viable scale
• show the project can’t go ahead without public funding
• be delivered within 2 years of the funding offer

Funding will cover the difference between what it costs to build and prepare the space and what the project is financially worth or can make in income. 

Projects applying for tenant specific fit-out support should:

• have a minimum total project cost of £1 million
• have a minimum support request of £15,000
• provide evidence that the fit-out will be delivered without putting the business at financial risk
• provide evidence that the majority of project funding will come from private funding such as equity, debt or internal resources

The programme has a 2-stage application process.

If you pass the first round, you’ll be invited to apply for the second round. 

An information webinar will take place online on 6 August 2026 at 2pm. At the webinar you’ll learn about:

• current supply and demand for life sciences accommodation in Scotland
• fund details and eligibility criteria

There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the webinar. 

To apply, you must:

• be a UK-registered developer, landlord, investor, university or life sciences business
• have the legal rights required to undertake the development
• operate in the Scottish Enterprise area, which includes Aberdeen City and Shire, the east of Scotland, Tayside and the west of Scotland

Your project must:

• create new or refurbished commercial laboratory or manufacturing space for life sciences businesses
• offer good value for money
• demonstrate that it can be completed within 2 years of receiving your grant
• not have any pre-let agreements in place
• not have already begun
• not be to support operational costs or working capital
• not be to support a tenant specific fit-out or specialist equipment

Academic facilities that are used only for non-commercial purposes are not eligible for support.

There is no cost to apply.

Funding levels are assessed on a case-by-case basis and depend on the scale of the project, eligible costs and the level of funding required to enable the project to proceed. 

Developers, landlords, investors, universities and life sciences businesses creating commercial laboratory or manufacturing space for Scotland's life sciences sector.

Application and assessment timescales will vary depending on project complexity.

Funded projects are expected to complete within two years of approval.

The programme operates a two-stage application process. Applicants first submit an outline proposal, which is assessed against the programme objectives. Projects that meet the initial criteria may be invited to submit a full application, including detailed project and financial information, for further assessment and funding consideration.

The programme will have an always-on application process. 

The stage one application deadlines for the 2026/27 submission dates are:

• Thursday 1 October 2026
• Thursday 28 January 2027
• Wednesday 28 April 2027
• Wednesday 28 July 2027
• Thursday 28 October 2027

You will hear within 4 weeks if your Stage 1 application has been successful.

Your application will be reviewed by an assessment panel after each round of applications. 

If your project is shortlisted, you’ll be invited to submit a stage 2 application with more detail and supporting evidence. 

If your project is recommended for approval, you’ll be assigned a specialist in the project team that will help you through the approval process. 

If your project is unsuccessful, you’ll receive feedback. 

Visit the Scottish Enterprise website for more information and to find out how to apply.