Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre

Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre emerged in 2014 as a catalyst for Industrial Biotechnology (IB) growth across Scotland. Recognized for excellence throughout Europe, IBioIC creates vital connections between industry leaders, academic researchers, and government agencies to accelerate the commercialization of innovative biotechnology processes and products. As the principal organization driving Scotland's National Plan for Industrial Biotechnology, IBioIC supports ambitious targets of reaching £1.2 billion in industry turnover and establishing 4,000 direct employment positions by 2025. Through its comprehensive approach to industry development, the Centre has positioned Scotland as an emerging global hub for sustainable biotechnology innovation.

With a membership exceeding 140 industry partners—over 70% being small or micro enterprises—IBioIC has established itself as a crucial resource for biotechnology ventures at various development stages. The Centre's impact extends across the innovation ecosystem through its provision of specialized scale-up facilities that bridge the gap between laboratory research and commercial production. IBioIC's networking initiatives create valuable interconnections within the biotechnology community, while its skills development programs address critical workforce needs in this rapidly evolving sector. This comprehensive support structure has proven particularly valuable for early-stage companies navigating the complex path from concept to market.

The Centre's investment approach has demonstrated remarkable efficiency in leveraging additional funding sources. An initial investment of £6.4 million has generated an impressive £28.5 million in supplementary funding through business contributions, follow-on investments, and strategic partnerships with other funding initiatives. IBioIC's collaborative innovation projects, co-funded with business partners, have fostered productive academic-industry relationships across more than 200 companies. These partnerships focus on developing commercially viable biotechnology applications with emphasis on sustainability, circular economy principles, and reducing industrial carbon footprints through biological alternatives to traditional chemical processes.

The economic and environmental impact of IBioIC's work is substantial and growing. Projects supported by the Centre have directly contributed to the protection or creation of 327 high-value green jobs, with secondary effects generating approximately 3,000 additional positions throughout related supply chains. Equally significant is IBioIC's contribution to developing Scotland's biotechnology talent pipeline through educational partnerships with 18 universities and research institutes, plus four Further Education Colleges. Through these collaborations, 369 students have received specialized training in industrial biotechnology, ensuring the sector's continued growth with skilled professionals prepared to address emerging challenges in sustainable manufacturing, biofuels, agricultural technology, and pharmaceutical production.