Engineering Biology Collaborative R&D: Round 3

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), is investing up to £8.5 million (approximately $11.2 million USD) in the Engineering Biology Collaborative R&D: Round 3 competition. This funding aims to support business-led research and development projects that will lead to new engineering biology products, processes, or services, and de-risk the adoption of new engineering biology technologies with high market potential. Projects must focus on themes such as Health, Agriculture and Food, Chemicals and materials, Low Carbon fuels, Waste and environment, or cross-cutting technology and service development.

The competition is open to UK registered businesses of any size, leading a collaborative project. The consortium must include at least one UK registered micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise (SME) claiming grant funding. Academic institutions cannot lead. Projects must have total eligible costs between £750,000 and £2.5 million, last between 12 and 36 months, and not start before April 1, 2027, ending by March 31, 2030. All funded project work and exploitation of results must occur in the UK, with most funding spent within the UK. Non-funded partners, including non-UK organisations, are permitted. The application process involves a two-stage assessment, potentially including an interview and presentation. Innovate UK welcomes and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds and is committed to making its application process accessible.

Applicants must start a new application or sign in to continue an existing one on the Innovation Funding Service. The competition involves a two-stage assessment process, and successful first-stage applicants may be invited for an interview and presentation.