The University of Manchester has launched ‘The Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst (IBIC), to help establish Greater Manchester and the North West as a global leader in biotechnology innovation.
The project, which aims to boost job creation, collaboration, investment and upskilling in the region, leverages a £5 million investment from the EPSRC’s Place-Based Impact Acceleration Account.
The IBIC will give businesses and start-ups a platform to engage with higher education institutions, governmental organisations and researchers in the North West, and support translating fundamental biotechnology research from the lab to the real world.
The IBIC launches at a significant time for the UK’s biotechnology market. The government’s focus on biotechnology and new £5 million sandbox fund signal increasing interest in the sector, which was valued at £21.8billion in 2023, according to IBISWorld.
Professor Aline Miller, professor of biomolecular engineering and associate dean for business engagement and innovation at The University of Manchester said: “Combine academic research with industrial application, and together we can yield transformative outcomes for both our economy and environment.
“With the launch of the IBIC, we are inviting businesses and startups to join us as we take on global challenges like climate change and sustainability. To do that, we need to create a vibrant ecosystem of interconnected disciplines to help scale businesses, bring research to life and ultimately deliver huge economic benefits to the north-west and beyond.”
This invitation extends particularly to SMEs, high-growth biotech companies, and other businesses interested in contributing to and benefiting from a thriving biotechnology industry in the North West.
