Research and development in Scotland’s bio-based manufacturing sector is getting a major boost, thanks to a fresh injection of funding. Innovate UK’s Launchpad programme has allocated £5 million to support 19 projects focused on industrial biotechnology, sustainable manufacturing, and skills development.
Millions Secured for Bio-Based Innovation
A total of 19 projects have successfully secured funding through this latest round. Of these, 11 fall under the category of collaborative research and development initiatives, while the remaining eight are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that applied through the Minimal Financial Assistance strand.
These projects aim to:
- Expand the use of industrial biotechnology processes.
- Strengthen biomass supply chains.
- Develop sustainable manufacturing techniques.
- Innovate in skills development to support the sector’s future growth.
Funding grants will range between £25,000 and £1 million, subject to due diligence checks. The goal is clear: help businesses scale up and contribute to a more sustainable, greener economy.
IBioIC Leads the Charge
Scotland’s Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) is taking the lead in managing the initiative. Working alongside Scottish Enterprise and Forth Valley College, IBioIC will provide technical support, investment readiness guidance, and skills training.
Since its inception in 2014, IBioIC has been a driving force behind the sector’s growth, offering assistance to its 300 members. Over the years, it has helped attract an additional £35 million in research and development funding.
Dr Liz Fletcher, director of business engagement at IBioIC, highlighted the importance of this funding: “Scotland has a thriving bioeconomy, and we’re pleased to see this latest commitment from the Innovate UK Launchpad programme to support new projects that will contribute to a greener future.”
She also acknowledged the challenges SMEs face in this space and assured them that IBioIC is developing various support activities to help them achieve their commercial goals.
Building on Previous Success
The first stage of the Launchpad programme in Scotland had already made waves. With an initial allocation of £1.8 million, 13 projects received funding to focus on green fuels, polymers, alternative foods, and other key areas.
Several of these entrepreneurs shared updates on their progress at IBioIC’s 11th annual conference last week. The event, hosted at the University of Strathclyde’s Technology and Innovation Centre in Glasgow, provided a platform to showcase how the funding has helped advance their initiatives.
One notable recipient from the first round was female-founded SilviBio, which secured £88,000. Dr Alicja Dzieciol, the company’s founder, was recently recognized with an Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award for her peat-free plant propagation blocks designed for vegetable growers. With upcoming regulations set to ban peat use in horticulture by 2030, SilviBio’s solution aims to help farmers transition in a cost-effective manner while ensuring long-term food security.
What’s Next for Scotland’s Bio-Based Sector?
As the latest round of funding gets distributed, all eyes are on these 19 projects to see how they will shape the future of industrial biotechnology in Scotland. With a growing emphasis on sustainability and innovation, the sector is poised for continued expansion. The hope is that this funding will not only drive new breakthroughs but also position Scotland as a leader in bio-based manufacturing for years to come.
