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.
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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). 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.
Our current focus in this area
Related Opportunities
DeepTech Catalyst Bio 2026
Opens: 11/05/2026
Closes: 16/08/2026
More information
UK Defence Innovation: Rapid transfusion diagnostics - blood testing in the field
Opens: 16/03/2026
Closes: 02/06/2026
More information
UKDI Biosecurity Frontiers: Defending against biological threats
Opens: 17/04/2026
Closes: 10/06/2026
More information
NAPIC ICURe Discover – September 2026
Opens: 01/06/2026
Closes: 03/09/2026
More information
National Materials Innovation Programme: Feasibility studies Rd 2
Opens: 04/05/2026
Closes: 24/06/2026
More information
Sustainable Chemical Supply Chains and Engineering Biology Innovation Exchange
Opens: 11/05/2026
Closes: 15/06/2026
More information
Related Events and Recordings
Thu
19
Jun
2025
Tue
11
Jun
2024
Mon
22
Jan
2024
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Our Experts
Related programmes
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.
Microbiome Landscape
Connecting the UK’s growing microbiome community to raise the visibility of the UK’s world leading microbiome science and enable its translation to benefit academic institutions, start-ups, SMEs and larger established companies.