Biotechnology

The Biotechnology team at Innovate UK KTN 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.

The Microbiome Innovation Network (formerly SIG) aims to accelerate the commercialisation of microbiome-based products and services in the UK and create a vibrant community by connecting industry and academia.

Related Opportunities

Launchpad: health technology, West Yorkshire

Opens: 30/10/2023 Closes: 13/12/2023

UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £2m to grow activities in the health technology innovation cluster in West Yorkshire.

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Launchpad: bio-based manufacturing in Scotland

Opens: 30/10/2023 Closes: 13/12/2023

UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £2m for business led projects in the bio-based manufacturing innovation cluster in Scotland.

More Information

SBRI: Plant health innovations for biosecurity

Opens: 06/11/2023 Closes: 20/12/2023

This competition aims to accelerate innovative solutions, technologies or practices that enhance plant health and biosecurity.

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Transforming Cancer Therapeutics

Opens: 15/11/2023 Closes: 24/01/2024

UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £10m to develop next generation immunotherapies for cancer or life-changing treatments for paediatric cancers.

More Information

DASA competition: Engineering Biology for Defence and Security – Phase 2

Opens: 01/11/2023 Closes: 17/01/2024

Up to £500,000 (ex VAT) funding available for innovative engineering biology technologies, funded by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).

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Open Innovation challenge: Manure Valorisation and Energy Production

Opens: 04/12/2023 Closes: 31/01/2024

Animal Care, Nigeria, are looking for ways to transform poultry manure into energy sources and other valuable outputs.

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Related Events and Recordings

Mon
22
Jan
2024

Mission Innovation: Integrated Biorefineries programme

12.00 - 14.00 GMT | Online

Register for this event
Tue
16
May
2023

UK Phage Innovation Showcase

09.30 - 16.30 | Leicester/online

Watch now
See all events

Our Experts

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For general enquiries regarding our Biotechnology sector contact us now

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