Biotechnology

The Biotechnology team at Innovate UK Business Connect focuses on Industrial Biotechnology (IB), Engineering Biology (EB, commonly referred to as Synthetic Biology) and Microbiomes.

These technologies have the potential to carry out transformations which would not be feasible, technically or economically, using traditional chemistry. They hold the potential to make entirely new materials or to develop processes which run at low or ambient temperatures, thus reducing energy consumption. Consequently they can have a major impact in the UK’s move to Net Zero emissions.

The team works with all sectors that either use, or are interested in using, biotechnology in their business, in particular Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Home & Personal Care, AgroChemicals, Food and Drink – and many more.

Our experts use deep knowledge of the sector to help you and your business innovate through access to funding, expertise and building connections and collaborations. The team works closely with national bodies such as the Industrial Biotechnology Leadership Forum (IBLF) and the Engineering Biology Leadership Council (EBLC).

Follow us on Twitter: @KTN_Biotech

Our current focus in this area

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.

Similar to Engineering Biology, Industrial Biotech impacts numerous sectors including Chemistry, Materials, Healthcare and AgriFood. It also has a significant role in the development of a Circular Economy by using waste as a feedstock for biobased products.

Microbiome science and innovation play a vital role to various sectors of the UK economy, including human health, wellbeing and agri-food. From personalised gut health solutions to nutrition, from animal health to food security and biodiversity.

Related Opportunities

ARIA: Scalable Neural Interfaces: Opportunity seeds

Opens: 02/12/2024   Closes: 13/02/2025

Up to £500k each for projects to transform understanding of neurological disorders by interfacing in new ways, at scale, with the human brain.

More Information

Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund (LSIMF): Expression of Interest

EOIs accepted on a rolling basis; quarterly assessments

Capital grants to support investments over £8m in the manufacture of human medicines, medical diagnostics and medtech products; assessed quarterly

More Information

Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP): 2024 to 2025 Round 5

Opens: 09/12/2024   Closes: 12/02/2025

UK registered academic institutions, RTOs or Catapults can apply for a share of up to £9m to fund innovation projects with businesses or not for profits.

More Information

Related Events and Recordings

Mon
22
Jan
2024

Mission Innovation: Integrated Biorefineries programme

12.00 - 14.00 GMT | Online

Watch now
Thu
29
Feb
2024

Horizon Europe Event: The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking

10.00 - 12.00 GMT | Online

Watch now
Thu
11
Apr
2024

Plant Microbiome webinar

09.30 - 11.15 GMT+1 | Online

Watch now
See all events

Our Experts

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For general enquiries regarding our Biotechnology sector contact us now

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