Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst Launch at Circle Square

Register for the North West Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst (IBIC) launch event taking place on 9 May 2024 from 10.30 am-2 pm at Circle Square. This will be followed by an afternoon workshop from 2-5 pm, focusing on the current challenges and opportunities within Industrial Biotechnology and where the inaugural innovation funding schemes will be launched.

The Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst will consolidate the North West of England as a world-leading ecosystem for the Industrial Biotechnology sector through knowledge exchange and innovation activities to accelerate the translation of industrial biotechnology discovery across key sectors including pharmaceuticals, value-added chemicals, engineering materials and next-generation fuels.

IBIC will:

• Catalyse an industrial biotechnology ecosystem

• Build a collaborative R&D community to bring leading IB researchers, start-ups, SMEs and corporates together

• Provide relationship builder, research and secondment funding schemes

• Develop skills and training programmes to upskill and reskill the current and future workforce

• Be a venture builder to support new start-up creation

• Accelerate early-stage AI companies via a collaborative R&D programme to bring leading AI researchers and start-ups and scaleups together

• Be part of the growing IB community

• Build partnerships for knowledge exchange and impact creation

• Provide access to funding to innovate, all while delivering a low-carbon economy

This exciting programme will spark innovation and collaboration in the field of industrial biotechnology.

During the morning session, you will learn all about IBIC, including the vision to drive innovation in industrial biotechnology in the region. Hear from key players in the field about the opportunities and barriers to the adoption of biotechnology in manufacturing in the UK and how we can build regional clusters to deliver knowledge-based innovation. The morning session will close with a networking lunch then the afternoon session will focus on a deep dive into key thematic areas of industrial biotechnology, including the chance for you to add input to steer future activities. The day will culminate in the launch of the IBIC funding calls followed by a drinks reception.

The event will gather a cross-section of leading academics, industrialists, start-ups, scale-ups, investors, and IB professionals to kick off the work, and we would love to see you there.

Registration is free with places allocated on a first-come first-served basis.

Provisional programme:

Morning – North West Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst (IBIC) Launch

10.30 Registration, Refreshments & Networking

11.00 Welcome and Introduction to IBIC; Vision and Opportunities

Professor Aline Miller, Director of IBIC

11.10 Keynote – The Importance of IB in the Region and Economy

Dr Jen Vanderhoven, Chief Operating Officer, BBIA

11.35 Panel Discussion: Challenges, opportunities and barriers to adoption of

biotechnology in manufacturing in the UK

Chair Professor Claire Eyers (University of Liverpool), Yvonne Armitage (CPI), Damian Kelly (Croda), Alejandro Gallego Schmid (The University of Manchester)

12.15 Emphasis on Place-Based Impact Acceleration

Dr Natalie Jones, North West Regional Engagement Manager, EPSRC

12:20 Panel Discussion: Building regional clusters to deliver knowledge-based innovation and social outreach

Chair Phil Carvell (STFC Daresbury), Lou Cordwell (University of Manchester and GMCA), Geoff Davison (Bionow), Andy Roberts (Bruntwood SciTech)

13:00 Final Remarks and Networking Lunch

Afternoon – North West Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst (IBIC) Deep Dive: “Industrial Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future”

14.00 Welcome to the afternoon: aims and potential outcomes

14.05 Deep Dive Discussion Sessions:

Feedstocks and Circularity

Dr Neil Dixon (The University of Manchester), Neil Parry (Unilever)

Biocatalysis and Engineering Biological Pathways

Dr Andrew Carnell (University of Liverpool), Jeremy Sheers (Shell)

15.05 Tea/Coffee Networking Break

15.25 Deep Dive Discussion Sessions:

Fermentation/Bioprocessing

Prof Alan Dickson (The University of Manchester), TBD (Fuji Diosynth)

ScaLing Manufacture & Policy Adoption

Prof James Winterburn (The University of Manchester), TBD (Manchester Institute of Innovation Research)

16.25 Launch of Funding Calls

Professor Aline Miller, Director of IBIC, Dr Andrew Carnell (University of Liverpool)

16.45 Concluding remarks

17.00 Networking Drinks

This free, in-person event will bring together industry leaders, researchers, policymakers and entrepreneurs to explore the latest trends and developments in industrial biotechnology. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to network, learn and get involved.

The event is organised with kind sponsorship from EPSRC, The University of Manchester, Bruntwood SciTech and IDManchester.