Closing dates: 11 June 2026, 10 Sept 2026, 10 Dec 2026
The Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst (IBIC) is a £5 million EPSRC-funded initiative focused on building a sustainable bioeconomy in the north-west. It aims to bring together universities, industry, and civic partners, providing funding and support to help turn industrial biotechnology research into real world solutions and impact in the region.
IBIC has funding available to support industrial biotechnology research translation, commercialisation, and impact activity, from early idea development through to proof of concept, secondments, and commercial development.
Researchers and teams based outside the north-west are eligible to apply. The key requirement is that the proposed activity demonstrates clear benefit and impact within the north-west.
Funding available
Cluster and Networking awards, up to £5k (apply any time): Support for networking and community building activity, such as workshops, sandpits, showcases, scoping exercises, skills activity, and public engagement.
Relationship Development awards, up to £10k: Seed funding to build a new relationship with an external partner, explore need and opportunity, and develop a strong follow on plan.
Proof of Concept awards, up to £30k: Support for early demonstrators, trials, and scoping to de risk an idea and move it towards translation or commercial opportunity.
Commercial Development awards, up to £50k: Support to evaluate commercial potential, including market and competitive landscaping, to help drive licensing opportunities, spin outs, or start-ups.
Secondment Exchange awards, up to £60k: Flexible funded staff or student exchanges (two way) between universities and organisations to accelerate translation and build capability.
For full details on eligibility and how to apply see HERE
For an introduction to IBIC see here (captioned recording, just over one hour). The recording includes a short overview of the funding schemes and eligibility, followed by a panel discussion on sustainable manufacturing and the role of partnerships in translation. It also touches on practical issues that often matter when shaping a proposal, such as scale up considerations, what makes collaborations work well, and how secondments can be structured.
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/industrial-biotechnology-innovation-catalyst/
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@IBIC_NW
