Engineering Biology

Engineering Biology (EngBio) provides us with the opportunity to step away from traditional methods and provide innovative solutions for challenges brought by climate change and the associated impact areas, like food availability and the need for sustainable feedstocks.

EngBio applies engineering principles to biology and enables us to build and manufacture novel biological systems and products. Together with Industrial Biotechnology, the two sectors are the driving force behind achieving UK’s ambitious goal of doubling the BioEconomy by 2030. We are also working closely with the Engineering Biology Leadership Council and UKRI to ensure the UK is a world leader in Engineering Biology.

Innovate UK Business Connect works across the EngBio innovation pipeline, enabling the translation of engineering biology into commercial outputs. We highlight industry contacts, researchers and relevant stakeholders that can help you explore novel bio-based solutions. In 2025 we launched the Engineering Biology Innovation Network, aiming to progress innovations, create a commercially focused community, and foster new consortia to advance innovations towards commercial applications.

Read about the role Industrial Biotechnology and Engineering Biology can play in helping us move towards producing our chemicals and materials from alternative, sustainable feedstocks.

Dana Heldt

Our Expert

Dana Heldt

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Related Opportunities

Engineering Biology SPARK Awards

Opens: 02/06/2025   Closes: 09/07/2025

Grants of up to £15,000 to fund UK-registered academic institutions or RTOs to deliver an engineering biology project to address a challenge held by a UK-registered SME or to enhance the SME’s progress towards developing new products, processes, or services.

More Information

Horizon Europe 2025 work programme Cluster 6: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

Opens: 03/05/2025   Closes: 24/09/2025

Topics available under Horizon Europe’s Cluster 6 programme for 2025/26, with up to €130m available for the largest single projects

More Information

Horizon Europe 2025 EU Missions: Adaptation to Climate Change

Opens: 06/05/2025   Closes: 24/09/2025

Funding available through Horizon Europe for Adaptation to Climate Change, with up to €25m for the largest projects.

More Information

Related Events and Recordings

Thu
19
Jun
2025

Engineering Biology Innovation Network Launch Event

10.00 - 12.00 | Online

Watch now
Thu
11
Apr
2024

Plant Microbiome webinar

09.30 - 11.15 GMT+1 | Online

Watch now
See all events

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Related programme

Engineering Biology Innovation Network

Engineering Biology Innovation Network

Driving the development of a joined-up UK innovation ecosystem to ensure synthetic biology tools, technologies and processes can be more easily developed and adopted by a variety of industries.

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