News story

Biotechnology innovation: apply for business funding

UK businesses can apply for a share of £2 million for biotechnology projects to reduce global dependence on fossil resources.

Biotechnology

Innovate UK has up to £2 million to invest in business projects as part of the European ERA-NET cofund on biotechnologies.

The funding will support UK businesses in joint projects with organisations from other countries to investigate how biotechnology could support sustainable industrial development.

The aim is to help transform the global economy from dependence on fossil raw material to use of more sustainable, bio-based resources.

Projects are expected to include at least one of the following processes:

  • synthetic biology
  • systems biology
  • bioinformatic tools to identify and use metabolic pathways
  • biotechnological approaches (possibly in combination with chemical ones)

They should also cover one of the competition’s specific research topics, which include:

  • sustainable production and conversion of different types of feedstocks and bioresources
  • new products, value-added products and supply services
  • sustainable industrial processes

Competition information

  • the competition is open, and the deadline for submitting pre-proposals is midday on 2 March 2017
  • projects are expected to last up to 3 years and must include at least 3 partners from different contributing countries
  • businesses could attract up to 70% of their project costs
Published 13 February 2017