The joint investment by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Innovate UK will support 34 feasibility studies across the UK.
It will also support academics and businesses to embark on new collaborations that will further advance research, innovation and commercialisation in UK sustainable biomanufacturing.
Competing on the global stage
These awards are the first stage of a wider sustainable bio-based materials and manufacture programme being delivered by BBSRC, EPSRC and Innovate UK.
The programme aims to enhance UK global competitiveness by supporting research and innovation that focuses on developing new and disruptive sustainable biomanufacturing products and processes by 2050.
Further £12 million funding opportunity open
As part of this initiative, a new £12 million sustainable bio-based materials and manufacture collaborative research and development funding opportunity is now open for applications.
Collaborative projects led by academic researchers and industry partners are welcomed and encouraged before the funding opportunity closes on 3 May 2023 at 11:00am UK time.
Supporting biomanufacturing for the future
The 34 feasibility projects just announced represent an investment of more than £2 million and will help advance the development of biomanufacturing across a range of UK industry sectors, including:
- agriculture
- construction
- fast moving consumer goods
- healthcare
- textiles
They will deliver innovations that help boost sustainable biomanufacturing processes by:
- increasing the use of bio-based feedstocks
- supporting the development of alternative bio-based chemical replacements
- enhancing the sustainability profile of biotechnology processes
- improving the use and reuse of renewable feedstocks
- developing biotechnology-based manufacture processes for sustainable and circular products
Ultimately, the projects will support UK biomanufacturing in becoming:
- net zero and resource efficient
- resilient and responsive
- technologically advanced and digital
Sustainable economic growth
Dr Ruth Nottingham, Head of Business Engagement and Intelligence at BBSRC, said:
Biomanufacturing offers a wealth of opportunity, both for the UK and on a global scale.
The 34 feasibility awards being funded will help expand the research and innovation capability in biomanufacturing across the breath of the UK.
This latest investment by UKRI partners provides businesses and academic researchers with the opportunity to collaborate on future innovations in biomanufacturing that will support the UK in achieving its clean growth ambitions.
Get in touch
If you’re interested in applying for the sustainable bio-based materials and manufacture collaborative research and development funding opportunity and want to find out more, please email us at: business.unit@bbsrc.ukri.org
Further information
The 34 projects
Sustainable production of PHAs through valorisation of seaweed processing waste
FlexSea Ltd and iBiotech Ltd
PhycoFib: sustainable fibrous materials from microalgae
The University of Sheffield, Efficiency Technologies Limited and AgriFoodX Limited
Redesigning bioreactors for sustainable bio-based manufacturing
Sterling Bio Machines Ltd and Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) Limited
A feasibility study in sustainable biological fibre cleaning
Fibe Limited and National Institute of Agricultural Botany
Bumpe ECO: a bio-derived wearable smart garment to prevent stillbirth
Radical Fibres Ltd and Kymira Ltd
Feasibility study into the production of bio-based monomers by fermentation at scale (Feasi-Ferm)
Biome Technologies plc and University College London
Bio-based feedstocks for bottle lid manufacturing (BioLids)
Bangor University and Pulpex Limited
Microalgae as a biomanufacturing platform for bioplastics
Phycoworks Ltd and FlexSea Ltd
Microalgal biomass as a sustainable alternative to bitumen in road construction
CO2CO Ltd, Imperial College London, Nanolyse Technologies Limited and The University of Sheffield
Development of a circular bio-based polymer for the moulded ruggedised cases industry
CP Cases Ltd, Queen’s University Belfast and Matrix Polymers Limited
Potential for bio-based waxes for paper bottle barrier coatings
Pulpex Limited and the University of Nottingham
Optimising feedstock utilisation for a fermentation-derived palm oil alternative
Sun Bear Bioworks Ltd and Evolutor Limited
BIOSECT
Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Limited and CPI Limited
Intensification of metallo-enzyme production to unlock sustainable biocatalytic hydrogenation
HydRegen Limited and the University of Nottingham
BioCranium
Future Humanity Ventures Limited and KoFibres Ltd
Development of BioMara’s sustainable biorefinery for biomanufacturing new products from residual ‘waste’ streams and sustainability improvements
BioMara Limited and KelpCrofting Ltd
Enzyme-based process for sustainable fertiliser from poultry manure
Lohas Recycling Limited and the Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC) Limited
De-risking activities for the validation of Ecosaf technology for new bio-based surfactants for detergent applications
Bioataraxis Ltd and Imperial College London
Antimicrobial biomaterials from bio-based feedstocks with novel feedstock supplementation strategies
Evolutor Limited and The University of Sheffield
Microbially recovered lignin for foams (MireLifo)
University of South Wales, Bangor University, Bryn Power Limited and Tata Steel UK Limited
Exploring mycelium or mushroom derived leather dyeing applications using food-waste derived dyes for the development of sustainable fashion products
Sages London Ltd, Cranfield University and Osmose Studio Ltd
HempSil Board: a low carbon breathable insulating plasterboard
Material Research Limited and the University of Hertfordshire
Mycelium Utilisation for Sustainable Housing (M.U.S.H)
Seven Oaks Modular Limited and Cardiff Metropolitan University
Enzymatic production of fluorocellulose (EnzFluoroCell)
Iceni Diagnostics Limited and The University of Manchester
Use of bio-based feedstocks for new food products
SPG Innovation Limited and Cassels Farm Limited
Sustainable bio-based materials from biomanufacturing waste streams
Deakin Bio-hybrid Materials Ltd and C3 Biotechnologies Ltd
Sustainable seaweed hydrogels for next generation lithium-ion batteries
Marine Biopolymers Ltd and the University of Glasgow
Feasibility study into methods for improving the scalability of MICP (microbially induced calcite precipitation) for the production of low carbon precast tiles and internal cladding systems
Cresco Biotech Ltd and Northumbria University
New proteins for new threads
Imperial College London and Eden Bio Ltd
A feasibility study to optimise extraction of bio-based materials following fermentation of distillery waste
Mednet Ltd and BDC Limited
MykoBead: an innovative and low carbon loose-fill bead insulation made from waste bio-based feedstocks
Mykor Ltd, BDC Limited and University of the West of England
A novel manufacturing process for the net zero separation and purification of bio-based cadaverine for sustainable fashion application
Algreen Ltd and The University of Manchester
Renewable synthesis of diols from seaweed
Mara Seaweed Ltd and Drochaid Research Services Limited
Valorisation of waste or by-product plant biomass to produce circular biodegradable materials including single use packaging
Xampla Ltd
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