Engineering biology is a rapidly evolving field that harnesses biological systems to develop new solutions for a range of sectors, including agri-food, clean technology, and environmental solutions. Recognised as one of the UK Government’s critical technologies, engineering biology investments through the UKRI Technology Missions Fund are supporting a wide portfolio of projects that involve both university and industry partners.
In September 2025, a Global Expert Mission (GEM) on engineering biology innovation was undertaken, focusing on applications with agri-food clean technology and environmental solutions. A delegation of six UK experts visited Montreal, Toronto and Saskatoon, where they met key stakeholders to share insights on the UK and Canada’s innovation ecosystems and identify opportunities for bilateral collaboration.
International collaboration is essential to unlock the potential for engineering biology to address some of the key challenges we face as a society, including as climate change, food and energy security, health and management of future pandemics, as well as driving new economic growth. To support these opportunities, UKRI invested £70 million in the 2023-25 Technology Missions Fund (TMF) and created the National Engineering Biology Programme covering food systems, biomedicine, clean growth and environmental solutions. Innovate UK has delivered two industry-focused initiatives in engineering biology as part of the TMF, including Accelerator programmes supporting 40 founder-led companies, as well as 20 feasibility grants to SMEs and 48 collaborative R&D grants to support business-led innovation.
The UK and Canada have long-standing collaborative relationships in science and innovation, underpinned by a formal Memorandum of Understanding. Both countries possess unique strengths in engineering biology and host globally recognised industries. However, the Canadian engineering biology ecosystem has not yet been the focus of international missions led by Innovate UK. This GEM focused on building critical relationships, raising awareness of UK capabilities, and developing strategies for future collaboration between the UK and Canada.
