Bioeconomy Cluster Builder - Ambitious new project launched

The Bioeconomy Cluster Builder project launched on 23 July 2020 with a virtual event attended by nearly 100 key players from the bio sector in Scotland and across the UK.

This important and ambitious project is a joint enterprise between IBioIC and KTN, funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

The project aims to bring together organisations in the IBioIC and KTN membership networks with companies who could benefit from biotechnology applications and bio-based products but who are not yet part of the community, in order to introduce biotechnology solutions to new markets and grow the bioeconomy in Scotland.

The project will call on the combined expertise and extensive networks of both IBioIC and KTN to evaluate business needs and put businesses in touch with appropriate solution providers through targeted workshops, round-tables and one-to-one engagements. It will use KTN’s innovation canvas to identify barriers and gaps to be addressed and support companies to engage with innovative bioeconomy concepts. It will also identify collaborative project opportunities, share information on relevant bid opportunities and signpost companies to further support channels.

The virtual launch event included case studies of applications of IB by Ingenza and Horizon Proteins as well as an overview of the funding landscape by Mat Wasley of KTN and a look at Scottish Enterprise’s strategy. The presentations were followed by a scheduled plan of one-to-one meetings for attendees to kick-start the collaborative engagement at the heart of the project.

The launch event will be followed by a series of events over the coming weeks and months which will advance the project aims.

For more information on the project, upcoming events, and how we can support existing members of the community and organisations seeking to explore biotechnology options, see the project website: www.bioeconomybuilder.com.