Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing
The Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing Innovation programme will focus on innovation in pharmaceutical manufacturing to improve the manufacturing innovation ecosystem in the UK towards a sustainable future.
Promoting the long-term viability of the medicines manufacturing industry
Sustainable medicines manufacturing, strives for the production of medicines in a manner that minimises environmental impact, conserves natural resources, and ensures economic and social sustainability.
Innovate UK’s Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing programme aims to transform the UK’s medicines manufacturing sector by driving innovation, adoption, investment, and collaboration. The programme will focus on developing disruptive technologies to optimise production efficiency, minimise waste, and reduce emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals. It will promote the adoption of innovative solutions across the sector to ensure scalability and widespread use while enhancing the UK’s attractiveness as a prime location for investment in medicines manufacturing, fostering economic growth and resilience.
By strengthening partnerships among academia, industry, and government, the programme will enhance the UK’s manufacturing innovation ecosystem and promote sustainable practices.
The Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing Innovation programme is funded as part of the wider VPAG Investment Programme agreed as part of the 2024 Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG).
Focus areas
PILLAR
Green chemistry
Producing medicines in a manner that minimises environmental impact, conserves natural resources, and ensures economic and social sustainability.
PILLAR
Circularity
Reducing waste, energy consumption and emissions, while enhancing efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness throughout the manufacturing lifecycle.
PILLAR
Productivity
Adopting of innovative technologies and practices that promote the long-term viability of the medicines manufacturing industry.
Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing Grand Challenges funding
The Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Programme is investing £54 million across eight Grand Challenge projects to transform how medicines are produced. Focused on minimising environmental impact, conserving resources, and ensuring long-term sustainability, the programme promotes innovative technologies that cut waste, energy use, and emissions while improving efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. This brochure highlights partners, innovations, and expected benefits for building a greener, net zero medicines sector.
Download the brochure
Related Opportunities
Advanced manufacturing supply chain innovation: feasibility studies
Opens: 02/02/2026 Closes: 11/03/2026
Up to £100k per project for feasibility studies to make supply chains more resource efficient and resilient through addressing cross cutting challenges.
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Eurostars call for projects – call 10, closing March 2026
Opens: 16/01/2026 Closes: 19/03/2026
Up to €360,000 for SMEs performing innovative R&D as part of a consortium with one or more organisations from other Eurostars countries.
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European Innovation Council: Pathfinder, Transition, and Accelerator 2026
Opens: 01/01/2026 Closes: 28/10/2026
Funding opportunities worth over €1.4 billion for strategic technologies and scaling up companies, with grants of up to €4m.
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Related Events and Recordings
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