The joint investment by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and Innovate UK will support nine feasibility studies across the UK.
These new awards are the follow-up stage of an already successful first round of resource-efficient or bio-based materials and manufacturing programmes in 2023.
These programmes were funded by BBSRC, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and Innovate UK.
It will support academics and businesses to embark on new collaborations that will further advance research, innovation and commercialisation.
Competing on the global stage
The programmes build on the Innovate UK materials and manufacturing vision 2050 and have already invested in 52 feasibility and 39 collaborative research and development projects.
Together with the nine new awards, they will support UK materials and manufacturing in becoming:
- net zero and resource efficient
- resilient and responsive
- technologically advanced and digital
Of the nine awards, four were jointly funded by BBSRC and Innovate UK and five were funded by Innovate UK.
Supporting the UK in achieving its clean growth ambitions
Dr Ruth Nottingham, Head of Strategic Innovation Programmes at BBSRC, said:
These projects build upon a previous £14 million investment by UKRI partners, designed to solve challenges and develop innovations in biomanufacturing.
This latest collaborative investment from BBSRC and Innovate UK enables businesses and academic researchers to work together on innovations that support the UK in achieving its clean growth ambitions, by accelerating the use of bio-based feedstocks and the development of sustainable materials and chemicals.
Lasting, positive change
Chaco van der Sijp, Innovation Lead Manufacturing at Innovate UK, said in further support:
The team is inspired by the wide range of innovative approaches to achieving resource efficiency.
We are excited to work with the projects aimed at reducing waste, emissions, energy, and water consumption. While the projects span just 3 to 6 months, we are confident that they will create lasting, positive change.
Further information
Projects funded by BBSRC and Innovate UK
MycoFiberTech: advancing sustainable biomanufacturing for bio-based materials
Project partners:
Agricycle Innovation Ltd
Brunel University London
University of York
Determining the efficacy and market potential of an underrated bio-based platform chemical (BioPlatScope)
Project partners:
Biome Technologies Plc
University of Oxford
Feasibility study of enzyme-assisted biodegradation for biobased nappy materials
Project partners:
Planet Smart Ltd
The University of Manchester
EnzyBond project: enzymatic cellulose moulding project
Project partners:
Pulpex Limited
Bangor University
Scitech Adhesive Systems Limited
Projects funded by Innovate UK
AERODRY: efficient UK scale-up production of Thermulon superinsulating aerogels for EV and construction applications, improved drying technology
Project partners:
Thermulon Ltd (lead)
Almac Sciences Limited
DBBHA-FEAS: evidencing technical and commercial feasibility of producing hyaluronic acid utilising a new highly productive strain of cyanobacteria
Project partners:
Deep Blue Biotech Limited
Centre for Process Innovation Limited
Low carbon hemp concrete mix
Project partners:
Rare Earth International Ltd
University of Leeds
MONITOR3D: new sensing technology that will give manufacturers information about their processes
Project partners:
Peak To Peak Measurement Solutions Ltd. (lead)
Brunel University London
SWIFT: seaweed innovation for filter technology
Project partners:
Nanolayr UK Limited
Flexsea Ltd
Top image: Credit: Edwin Tan, E+ via Getty Images