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

Farming Futures R&D Fund: Precision Breeding

Opens: 05/05/2025   Closes: 25/06/2025

UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £12.5 million for precision breeding of arable and horticultural crops.

More Information

Farming Futures R&D Fund: low emissions farming

Opens: 05/05/2025   Closes: 25/06/2025

UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £12.5 million for industrial research projects from the Farming Futures R&D Fund.

More Information

European Space Agency: Maritime Decarbonisation - Green Fuels

Opens: 21/03/2025   Closes: 16/05/2025

ESA seeks to develop new space-based services that support the decarbonisation of the maritime sector, with a focus on green fuels and green propulsion systems.

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 work programme Cluster 1: Health

Opens: 03/05/2025   Closes: 16/09/2025

Topics available under Horizon Europe’s Health programme for 2025/26, with funding of up to €20m per project.

More Information

Tree Production Innovation Fund 2025

Opens: 24/04/2025   Closes: 09/07/2025

The Tree Production Innovation Fund (TPIF) supports projects that will enhance or facilitate tree production methods in England.

More Information

Related Events and Recordings

Tue
11
Jun
2024

Sustainable bio-based Materials and Manufacture (SusBioMM) Cafes

10.00 - 10.45 | Online

Watch now
Mon
22
Jan
2024

Mission Innovation: Integrated Biorefineries programme

12.00 - 14.00 GMT | Online

Watch now
See all events

Our Experts

Related News

Materials Research Exchange 2024: event highlights

18/06/2024

Materials Research Exchange 2024: event highlights

Highlights from the Reimagining Materials and Manufacturing Together team, who attended this year’s Materials Research Exchange.

 

Read more
More News

For general enquiries regarding our Biotechnology sector contact us now

Close

Connect with Innovate UK Business Connect

Join Innovate UK Business Connect's mailing list to receive updates on funding opportunities, events and to access Innovate UK Business Connect's deep expertise. Please check your email to confirm your subscription and select your area(s) of interest.