LifeArc is a self-funded medical research charity. Its mission is to advance translation of early science into health care treatments or diagnostics that can be taken through to full development and made available to patients. It has been doing this for more than 25 years and its work has resulted in a diagnostic for antibiotic resistance and four licensed medicines. The organisation’s success allows it to explore new approaches to stimulate and fund translation. LifeArc has its own drug discovery and diagnostics development facilities, supported by experts in technology transfer and intellectual property who also provide services to other organisations. Its model is built on collaboration, and partners with a broad range of groups including medical research charities, research organisations, industry and academic scientists. LifeArc is motivated by patient need and scientific opportunity. Two funds help LifeArc to invest in external projects for the benefit of patients: our Philanthropic Fund provides grants to support medical research projects focused on the translation of rare diseases research and the Seed Fund is aimed at start-up companies focussed on developing new therapeutics and biological modalities.