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 Spin-Out Support Programme offers up to £20,000 towards Higher Education Institution (HEI) costs for spin-out projects that focus on innovative applications of biotechnology. These projects should address a real market need or commercial opportunity.

Applications are invited for proof-of-concept projects from researchers with an ambition to spin out a company within 1 to 2 years of the project ending.

The projects must be led by at least one of Scotland’s Higher Education Institutes (HEI). Applicants can be at any career stage, but successful projects must show they can lead to company creation, follow on funding and/or commercial application.

Where an application for funding is successful, the spin-out created during (and up to one year after) the project will be eligible for free IBioIC membership for one year.

To be eligible, spin-out projects must:

• be short term (less than one year), with a plan to spin out within 12 months of project completion
• have the potential to lead to larger scale funding - for example, from Scottish Enterprise High Growth Spin-out Support, Innovate UK, RSE Enterprise Fellowship and/or private investment
• show they can lead to company creation, follow on funding and/or commercial application
• demonstrate a clear market need or commercial opportunity through the innovative use or application of biotechnology
• include at least one of IBioIC’s HEI Partners
• demonstrate an economic, societal and/or reputational benefit to Scotland

The award from IBioIC must not exceed 33% of the total project cost, with other funding covering the remainder.

The award from IBioIC must not exceed 33% of the total project cost. Project partners or other funders must contribute the rest.

Researchers affiliated with a Scottish Higher Education Institute (HIE) who aim to spin out a company that focuses on innovative applications of biotechnology.

Successful project applications are usually processed within one month of submission. You will receive an award letter shortly after.

Projects should start within 3 months of approval.

If you're interested, you should contact IBioIC before you submit an application.

Visit the IBioIC website for more information.