10
November
2026
|
16:04
Europe/London
Catalysing the North-West’s industrial biotechnology ecosystem
The Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst (IBIC) connects the North-West's research, industry, investors and policymakers to accelerate industrial biotechnology innovation and turn scientific ideas into commercial opportunities.
A person speaking at a lectern with a microphone, in front of a green screen displaying the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst logo.
Professor Aline Miller speaking at the launch of the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst (IBIC).
Summary
- IBIC connects industrial biotechnology research, businesses, investors and policymakers across the North-West to accelerate innovation and commercialisation.
- Led by The University of Manchester and backed by £5.2 million from EPSRC, the initiative brings together five North-West universities and more than 50 business partners, civic organisations and project collaborators.
- Through industry-academic collaboration, proof-of-concept funding, secondments and entrepreneurial support, IBIC helps researchers and businesses turn promising scientific ideas into commercial opportunities.
- By 2029, IBIC aims to support 25 early-stage companies, 80 industry proof-of-concept studies and ten new spinouts or start-ups.
Creating economic impact in the North-West
The North-West has deep expertise in industrial biotechnology, but translating research into commercial impact depends on more than scientific discovery.
Researchers need routes to industry, companies need access to expertise and emerging technologies, and early-stage ideas need evidence and investment to progress.
Led by The University of Manchester, the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst (IBIC) brings together five North-West universities, and more than 50 business partners, civic organisations and project collaborators.
Backed by £5.2 million from EPSRC, it is building the connections and capability needed to accelerate industrial biotechnology translation across the region.
“
With the launch of the IBIC, we invited businesses and start-ups to join us to take on global challenges like climate change and sustainability. To do that, we have created 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.”
Professor Aline Miller, Director of IBIC
„
Helping ideas become commercial success
IBIC combines industry-academic collaboration, proof-of-concept funding, secondments and entrepreneurial support with a network of more than 2800 members. It has funded 75 projects which have already leveraged £3.2 million and delivered 55 events attracting more than 2,630 delegates.
By 2029, the ambition is to turn those connections into impact: supporting 25 early-stage companies, delivering 80 industry proof-of-concept studies and enabling ten new spinouts or start-ups.
Ideas seed-funded by IBIC are already translating into commercial ventures. Adder-Vax has progressed from a computational vaccine concept to a registered company and secured further accelerator and translational funding. While ColoriQuo has spun out of Manchester in 2026, attracting funding and industry interest for its approach to replacing artificial chemical dyes and agricultural pigments with bio-inspired, sugar-based structural colour.
Find out how IBIC can support you with funding, expertise and partnerships to accelerate innovation. Visit the IBIC website