Bristol-based scientist, entrepreneur and founder of the city’s Science Creates deep-tech centre, Dr Harry Destecroix, has won a major national enterprise award.
Harry, pictured, has been named Barclays Entrepreneur Icon of the Year, a title that recognises entrepreneurs who have successfully turned their vision into reality. 
The accolade, one of 10 Barclays Entrepreneur Awards, celebrates individuals who have achieved their goals by building teams, forming key strategic alliances and overcoming challenges in scaling their business to deliver significant growth.
Harry set up University of Bristol spin-out company Ziylo in 2014 to create the world’s first glucose-responsive insulin, potentially transforming the treatment of diabetes.
Four years later it was snapped up by global healthcare company Novo Nordisk in a deal worth up to $800m (£628m).
He also set up St Phillips-based science centre Unit DX in collaboration with the University of Bristol to help commercialise similar companies.
Having seen the opportunity to expand this incubator into an ecosystem that invests in and supports other deep-tech innovations, he launched Science Creates, also in partnership with the University of Bristol.
Science Creates aim to establish Bristol as a global centre for deep tech by combining specialist incubator facilities, a network of strategic partners and a dedicated venture capital fund.
Officially launched last year, Science Creates encompassing specialised incubator space in Old Market which is due to open soon, a £15m investment fund and a comprehensive network of strategic partners to nurture science and engineering start-ups and spin-outs.
Harry said: “Where a discovery is made has a huge bearing on whether it’s successfully commercialised.
“No matter the quality of the research and discovery, the right ecosystem is fundamental if we are going to challenge the global 90% failure rate of science start-ups, and create many more successful ventures.
“Winning this national award firmly puts Science Creates and Bristol on the map as the place to be for deep tech start-ups.”
The Barclays Entrepreneur Awards recognise the importance of the UK’s entrepreneurial spirit and showcase founders and their businesses from across the country who, amid the pandemic, succeeded in bringing together their creativity, passion and innovation to run successful high-growth businesses.
There are 10 award categories, ranging from start-up through to international expansion.
Barclays head of high growth & entrepreneurs Katherine Morgan said: “The national awards are a celebration of the exceptional innovation and leadership entrepreneurs demonstrate, helping to create social change and boost our local economies.
“This is our opportunity to celebrate some of the UK’s most successful home-grown ventures, many of whom have skilfully utilised international markets, in turn generating new jobs and driving economic growth.
“These awards allow us to recognise and celebrate the founders behind these businesses, and we would like to congratulate Harry on his success.”
The national judging panel was made up of key industry leaders and influencers. The overall national winners were drawn from more than 1,000 applications.
