Funding boost for Scottish bio-based manufacturing as second round of Innovate UK Launchpad for Scotland opens
Businesses innovating in Scotland’s thriving bio-based manufacturing industry are being invited to apply for support packages of between £25,000 and £1 million as Innovate UK opens Round 2 of its pioneering Launchpad funding programme.
A total investment of up to £5.25 million is being channelled into the Launchpad for Scotland in this round, with grant funding packages between £25,000 and £1 million available for projects from Micro Small or Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) or consortia that can provide exceptional impact to the bio-based manufacturing industry cluster.
Developed in partnership with Scottish Enterprise, Innovate UK’s Launchpad is designed to support businesses growing their innovation activities, in different bio-based sectors across Scotland.
Applications can be made from 4 November to 11 December 2024 with funding expected to provide additional financial backing to innovative companies ready to scale their operations and contribute to a greener economy.
The Launchpad supports the ambition of Scotland’s Industrial Biotechnology strategy, which aims to grow company turnover beyond £1.2 billion by 2026 and accelerate innovation in industrial biotechnology, biomass supply chain development and sustainable production and manufacturing.
The first year of the Launchpad saw a tremendous response from the sector, with initial funding of over £1.8 million allocated to companies in Scotland including businesses innovating in areas such as green fuels, polymers, and alternative foods. The next phase will continue to foster collaboration, ensuring Scotland remains a leader in bio-based technologies.
Scottish Enterprise Director Scaling Innovation Derek Shaw said: “Scotland is at the forefront of the bio-based manufacturing revolution. We punch above our weight with a fast-growing nascent innovation cluster, abundant bio-resources and renewable energy, world class research in the field and effective cluster management from the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC).
“With this second round of funding, we’re keen to support Scottish businesses to innovate, collaborate and lead in sustainable practices that will benefit our communities and the environment, as well as supporting Scotland’s ambitious Industrial Biotechnology strategy goals.
“Our partnership with Innovate UK ensures the right support is in place to allow the bio-based manufacturing sector to thrive, and I’m excited to see another cohort of quality applicants to the Launchpad this year.”
Interested businesses are encouraged to apply by 11am on 11 December 2024, with full details available at https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/search
Contact Information
Wendy Fleming
Notes to editors
Notes to Editors
- Innovate UK Launchpads are aimed at strengthening place-based innovation and supporting emerging clusters of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in parts of the UK. Innovate UK is part of UK Research and Innovation.
- Each Launchpad supports a geographic cluster of businesses, providing innovation funding, support, and networking opportunities to help SMEs to innovate, grow and scale up.
- A Launchpad addresses key challenges facing SMEs in the cluster, supports businesses on their innovation projects and helps them to contribute to a supportive ecosystem.
- Types of support offered can include funding for research and development, access to innovation specialist support, and opportunities to network and collaborate.
- Scotland’s bio-based manufacturing Launchpad has been developed jointly by Scottish Enterprise and Innovate UK, with support from Forth Valley College and IBioIC.
Process Briefing notes
A pre-recorded briefing on the competition process is available for applicants to view:
Laura McCartney - Innovate UK UKRI's Zoom Meeting - Zoom
The slides from this briefing are available:
Microsoft PowerPoint - Launchpads slide Deck
About Innovate UK Launchpads
For more information, updates and announcements on Innovate UK Launchpads, please visit: www.iuk.ktn-uk.org/programme/launchpads
Wider opportunities for support can be found at: https://ukinnovationhub.ukri.org/
About Innovate UK
https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/innovation-in-action/
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is the UK’s innovation agency. It works to create a better future by inspiring, involving and investing in businesses developing life-changing innovations. Its mission is to help companies to grow through their development and commercialisation of new products, processes, and services, supported by an outstanding innovation ecosystem that is agile, inclusive, and easy to navigate.
About Scottish Enterprise
Scottish Enterprise (SE) is Scotland’s national economic development agency and a non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government. It supports businesses to innovate and scale to transform the Scottish economy by focusing on new market opportunities through targeted investment, innovation and internationalisation. Follow us on X and LinkedIn