Medcotec secures funding to scale safety valve

A North West life sciences start-up has secured more than £2.4 million in investment to bring an innovative manufacturing technology to market, with plans to expand its workforce.

Daresbury-based Medcotec has developed Helyx, a powder transfer valve designed to improve safety, reduce contamination risks and cut production costs for pharmaceutical and other manufacturers.

The funding has come from NPIF II – Mercia Equity Finance, managed by Mercia Ventures as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), alongside LYVA Labs, the Liverpool City Region Seed Fund and private investors.

Founded by technology executives Emerson Mulvaney and Mike Taitt, Medcotec is already working with a leading pharmaceutical company and other manufacturers, with the investment supporting further product trials and plans to double its four-strong workforce over the next year.

Its Helyx valve has been developed to overcome limitations associated with conventional powder transfer systems, which can suffer from blockages and contamination.

Unlike traditional split-butterfly valves, the new design allows powder to flow without internal obstructions while remaining contained within the system.

The single-use technology also eliminates the need for time-consuming cleaning of stainless steel equipment and can withstand high operating pressures.

Production failures are estimated to cost the global pharmaceutical industry £9 billion annually, highlighting the potential demand for improved transfer systems.

Emerson said: “Current powder transfer systems are often based on 20-year-old technology.

“It is almost impossible to avoid some level of contamination and as ingredients become more potent, the risks grow.

“Blockages and contamination can also cause costly production outages.

“With its unique design, our valve could be a gamechanger for the industry.

“The funding will allow us to bring it to market.”

Robert Hornby, of Mercia Ventures, added: “The pharmaceutical landscape is changing – the rules on contamination are tightening, and companies are increasingly doing shorter production runs.

“Medcotec solves some of their key pain points.

“We believe it has the potential to become the leading provider of single-use powder transfer systems and are pleased to support it on its journey.”

Medcotec previously received pre-seed investment from LYVA Labs in June 2025 and participated in its Incubator and Accelerate programmes to develop its prototype and commercial plans.

Lorna Green, chief executive of LYVA Labs, said: “This investment, led by Mercia Ventures, will enable them to take their product to market and grow their business in Liverpool City Region.”

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s £10 million Seed Fund aims to help innovative early-stage businesses across the region accelerate their growth.

Rupert Wingate-Saul, investment director at AXM Venture Capital and manager of the Liverpool City Region Seed Fund, added: “Medcotec is a great example of advanced manufacturing in the Liverpool City Region.

“We are delighted to back a team with deep domain knowledge, strong industry relationships and a laser-focus on improving powder transfer.”

Councillor Paula Basnett, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority cabinet member for economic growth and regeneration, said: “Supporting innovative businesses to start, scale and succeed is central to our growth ambitions for the Liverpool City Region.

“Through the Liverpool City Region Seed Fund, we are helping ambitious companies access the investment they need to develop and bring world-leading ideas to market.”

The £660 million NPIF II fund, operated by British Business Bank, provides loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million to help smaller businesses.

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