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

BBSRC ICURe Explore January 2025 – in partnership with NC3Rs

Opens: 20/09/2024   Closes: 20/11/2024

12 weeks full-time programme with up to £35k to help bioscience research teams get out of the lab and explore the commercial potential of their research/technology.

More Information

ARIA: Synthetic Plants - full proposals

Opens: 16/10/2024   Closes: 12/11/2024

Backed by £62.4m, this programme will aim to catalyse a new generation of major crops that are more productive, resilient, and sustainable.

More Information

Launchpad: life and health sciences, Northern Ireland – Round 2 CR&D

Opens: 04/11/2024   Closes: 11/12/2024

UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £4.3m for innovation activities in the life and health sciences cluster in Northern Ireland.

More Information

Launchpad: life and health sciences, Northern Ireland – Round 2 MFA

Opens: 04/11/2024   Closes: 11/12/2024

UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £4.3m for innovation activities in the life and health sciences cluster in Northern Ireland.

More Information

Launchpad: Bio-based Manufacturing, Scotland – Round 2 CR&D

Opens: 04/11/2024   Closes: 11/12/2024

UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £5.25m to grow their innovation activities in the bio-based manufacturing cluster in Scotland.

More Information

Launchpad: bio-based manufacturing, Scotland – Round 2 MFA

Opens: 04/11/2024   Closes: 11/12/2024

UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £5.25m to grow their innovation activities in the bio-based manufacturing cluster in Scotland.

More Information

Related Events and Recordings

Mon
22
Jan
2024

Mission Innovation: Integrated Biorefineries programme

12.00 - 14.00 GMT | Online

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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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Materials Research Exchange 2024: event highlights

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Supporting AgriFood SMEs: SPG Innovation’s journey to innovative plant-based protein

06/08/2024

Supporting AgriFood SMEs: SPG Innovation’s journey to innovative plant-based protein

Discover how SPG Innovation has taken advantage of multiple funding and networking mechanisms to develop healthy, sustainable plant protein with Innovate UK Business Connect support.

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For general enquiries regarding our Biotechnology sector contact us now

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