Startups Founded at Durham University

Durham University is home to over 22,000 students, each looking to excel academically.

The University, which is made up of colleges, has seen famous names like Ed Gamble, Nish Kumar and Jeremy Vine study within its walls. It has such a good reputation in the UK that is it ranked 6th in the Guardian University Guide 2025, making it a solid choice for any student.

 

What Is Durham University Known For?

 

Located not far from Newcastle in the North of England, Durham is known for being one of the UK’s top universities.

Set in a quaint city in the North, its towering castle has become synonymous with the university.

But Durham is also known for being a leader in research and innovation. In fact, through their programme Venture Lab, they have helped staff and students found companies that are setting out to change the status quo.

Here, we look at 7 of these startups.

 

Nevrargenics Limited: Drugs For Neurodegenerative Diseases

 

 

Nevrargenics Limited is a UK based company that is researching and developing new ways to treat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinsons, MS and more.

By looking at nuclear receptors in the brain, the company is aiming to improve the lives of over 1 million people suffering from these diseases.

 

 

Low Carbon Materials: Sustainable Building Materials

 

 

Low Carbon Materials is creating more eco-friendly materials for the construction industry.

This startup sims to lower the the environmental harm of traditional building by producing materials that are low-carbon and low emissions.

Their materials not only help construction companies reach net zero, they also allow them to continue building high-quality infrastructure, without the environmental damage.

 

Magnitude Biosciences: Worm Testing For Research

 

 

Magnitude Biosciences uses C. elegans (microscopic worms) to help improve research projects.

Through their WormGazer technology, they are able to reduce rodent testing and look at the impact of drugs and treatment on a larger range of organisms.

This has helped companies test new drugs, treatments and more to power the field of medicine.

 

Alora: Ending World Hunger

 

 

 

Alora is setting out to improve food security through their ocean agriculture system.

Through its genetic design, it has allowed rice crop to grow in a salt water environment. This not only reduces reliance on fresh water, it means crops can be grown in more places, creating more food.

Having sussed rice, the company are now looking to farm soya beans and cotton from ocean water.

 

Impossibrew: Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer

 

 

Impossibrew – once seen on Dragon’s Den – produces non-alcoholic craft beers that give the taste of good beer, without the alcohol.

The company have been praised for their great tasting drinks, perfect for those looking to enjoy beer, but without the hangover.

 

Sphera: Sustainability Management

 

 

Sphera is helping companies become more sustainable by providing a 360 look at their operations.

Through their data, software and consulting, they are able to help companies work towards their sustainability goals.

The company prides itself on measurable goals, helping create roadmaps to make companies more green.

 

Local Energy Systems: Renewable Energy

 

 

Local Energy Systems is developing site assessment tools for creating renewable energy.

Their machine learning tools have made it easier to find these sites, helping to improve the transition to net zero.