Phage Innovation Network

Driving innovation in the development of phage-based technologies for applications across multiple sectors, ensuring the UK maintains its strong stance on tackling antimicrobial resistance and furthering phage research and development in the UK.

About the Phage Innovation Network

Phage-based technologies (PBTs) can be used in a variety of ways and are useful for different applications across multiple sectors. PBTs can be used as diagnostic tools, surveillance tools, sustainable biocontrol agents and they are viable aids for addressing the global issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

There is a significant, globally recognised knowledge base for phage (also known as bacteriophage) research and development in the UK. However, there are barriers to realising the potential of PBTs and translating knowledge into real-world solutions.

Innovate UK’s Phage Innovation Network is working to address these barriers to further the development and use of PBTs and ensure the UK maintains its strong stance on tackling AMR.

Key sectors

Phages can be used in a variety of ways, from therapeutics in the clinic to tools for biocontrol applications. The Phage Innovation Network will help drive innovation in the development and implementation of PBTs for applications across multiple sectors, including human health; agrifood (animal health, food production, processing and safety, aquaculture); and water sanitation and surveillance.
Human health

Human health

Phages can be used as therapeutic agents and diagnostic tools in human medicine.

Animal health

Animal health

Phages can be used as feed additives, therapeutics, and more in veterinary medicine.

Food safety

Food safety

Phages can be used as biocontrol agents to reduce the spread of foodborne pathogens.

Crop production

Crop production

Phages can be used to reduce the spread of plant pathogens and spoilage organisms.

Aquaculture

Aquaculture

Phages can be used to reduce levels of pathogenic bacteria and prevent disease.

Water

Water

Phages can be used as tools to assess water quality.


How network activity can support you

The Phage Innovation Network is working to further the development and implementation of PBTs in the UK in a variety of ways.

Understand emerging innovations

The Phage Innovation Network provides a forum for the UK’s community of phage researchers, innovative companies, end user industries, funders, regulators, those interested in alternatives to antibacterial solutions, and other key stakeholders to network and develop new ideas.

Improve awareness and engagement in the development of PBTs

The network showcases PBTs to increase awareness of their potential among key stakeholders across multiple sectors and strengthen and improve engagement in their development.

Change perceptions of anti-infectives

Expand network activities to contribute to redefining antimicrobials as infrastructure necessary for global health and economic security.

UK Phage Innovation Showcase

This event showcased translational research into developing phage-based technologies in the UK.

Watch now

Virtual Phage Innovation Exhibition

Explore this collection of translational phage work that is ongoing in the UK.

Watch now

Our Experts

Related Events and Recordings

Wed
13
Jul
2022

Bacteriophages as Alternative Antimicrobials

10.00 - 12.00 | Online

Watch now
Tue
16
May
2023

UK Phage Innovation Showcase

09.30 - 16.30 | Leicester/online

Watch now
Thu
16
Feb
2023

Innovate UK KTN Phage Innovation Network - Online launch event

10.00 - 11.30 | Online

Watch now
See all events

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Related Opportunities

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.

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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 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.

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