Helix Tenant Circadacare expands into new office at The Catalyst

A tech company that aims to improve independent living through circadian light technology has moved into a new office in The Catalyst at Newcastle Helix.

Circadacare, which develops lighting systems that support the circadian rhythm – the natural 24-hour internal body clock that regulates your sleep-wake cycle – has moved into a larger office in The Catalyst to accommodate its growing team ahead of the launch of its AI-monitored light bulb, Heleos.

The lighting technology specialist first moved to The Catalyst in 2022 and was based in the National Innovation Centre for Ageing’s Hub alongside other businesses looking to harness opportunities and create solutions in the healthy ageing sector.

John Seager, Newcastle Helix, Estates Director said: “The success that Circadacare is achieving is a fantastic example of what Newcastle Helix can support and enable. It's where organisations can come together, innovate, and push the boundaries in their fields.

“Fostering the right environment and introductions that support organisations to collaborate and innovate at the leading edge of their respective fields is at the heart of our mission here, and a true display of the value of the combined investment by the Newcastle Helix Partnership.”

Starting as a team of two, Circadacare quickly grew and is now a team of 10 based in its own office in the innovation centre. The company has been designing circadian lighting solutions for managed care environments and dementia care facilities since 2020, but with its new Heleos product, Circadacare hopes to support those living alone to live independently for longer.

Tallie Bush, product director at Circadacare, said: “There’s a great deal happening in the North East with healthy ageing and longevity, and we wanted to be part of that. The Catalyst has the National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA) embedded and we really wanted to be incubated with them to exchange information and collaborate. It’s been extremely valuable. And the National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD) is based here too. Knowing you’re working alongside NICA and NICD when you’re making an Internet of Things (IoT) healthcare product is a perfect match.”

Most recently, Circadacare announced it had raised £1.3m to support its healthy ageing work. This was secured through an investment round led by the North East Innovation Fund, supported by the European Regional Development Fund and managed by Northstar Ventures, alongside angel investors.

Amelia Findlay, centre manager at The Catalyst, said: “It’s remarkable to see Circadacare’s growth from a small team in the NICA Hub to now occupying their own space within our vibrant community. We’re proud to support the team as they continue to develop ground-breaking solutions that positively impact lives.”