This fund is currently closed to new applications. However, you can submit an enquiry to register your interest in future funding.

The Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC)'s Feasibility projects provide members with the opportunity to tap into the expertise of Scotland’s academics to assist with a biotech-focused proof of concept study to support a future funding application for a larger scale research work programme.

Feasibility projects should focus on innovative applications of industrial biotechnology and address a real market need or commercial opportunity through collaborative knowledge exchange and research between industry members and at least one of Scotland’s talented higher education institution (HEI) research teams.

IBioIC welcomes projects in all areas of industrial biotech including, but not limited to, the use of biology in: 

• biorefining 
• food and drink 
• biotech in textiles, materials, and construction 
• bio-manufacturing 
• waste management 
• enzymes and catalysts 
• downstream processing 
• agri-tech 
• biopharmaceuticals 

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the call will close when all funding has been allocated.

Eligible projects must:

• have the potential to lead to larger scale work, for example through a Scottish Enterprise SMART award, Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), BBSRC IPA or LINK
• demonstrate a clear market need or commercial opportunity through the innovative use or application of biotechnology
• be championed and led by an industrial partner and include at least one of IBioIC’s higher education institution (HEI) partners, along with any number of industrial members and additional HEI partners
• demonstrate an economic, societal and/or reputational benefit to Scotland
• include at least one HEI partner eligible for funding from the Scottish Funding Council
• be aligned to Scotland’s National Plan for Industrial Biotechnology and provide innovative solutions to industrial, environmental, health and wellbeing or social issues

Companies must be registered to be eligible for funding and able to make in-kind contributions.

At least 50% of the project costs must be matched by a combination of in-kind and cash contributions. In-kind contributions alone are only acceptable from micro or small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Large companies must justify why they need a public subsidy to carry out the work.

IBioIC welcomes projects in all areas of industrial biotechnology.

IBioIC will contribute up to £30,000 towards the HEI partner’s costs to carry out the project. These costs should be calculated based on 100% full economic costing (fEC) and include only costs that will be incurred by the HEI partner.

IBioIC funding is awarded and paid in arrears to HEI partners. It will cover a maximum of 80% of the calculated fEC, with the remaining portion to be provided by the HEI partner as an academic contribution.

At least 50% of the total project cost must be matched by in-kind contributions from the industrial partner, with in-kind and cash contributions from larger companies and the cash portion paid directly to the HEI partner. 

This programme is for collaborative partnerships between companies with a foothold in Scotland, or which can demonstrate the ability to deliver inward investment, and at least one Scottish higher education institution (HEI).

This fund is currently closed to new applications. However, you can submit an enquiry to register your interest in future funding.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the call will close when all funding has been allocated.

IBioIC aims to review applications within a month of submission, with award letters issued shortly afterwards. All projects should start within 3 months of approval.

Applicants should discuss their application with IBioIC before submitting. Where an application for funding is successful, companies must become members of IBioIC before the project start date and remain members for the duration of the project. 

Visit the IBioIC website for more information.