About the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre


IBioIC was established in 2014 to fulfil the aims of the National Plan for Industrial Biotechnology to grow the industrial biotechnology sector in Scotland to over £900 million in turnover, with over 200 companies operating in the sector by 2025.


The image features the iBLoc logo, which includes a colorful, circular symbol composed of overlapping segments in pink, green, blue, and purple, followed by the word "iBLoc" in bold black letters.

Biotechnology uses plant-based and waste resources to produce or process materials, chemicals and energy, offering green and sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels in everything from energy, to medicines and food packaging. 

IBioIC is a networking and support organisation that connects industry, academia and government to bring biotechnology processes and products to the global market. We do this by offering scale-up facilities, talent development, funding provision, and promotion of Scotland’s unique assets.

 Meet the Team


Industry Members 


IBioIC has over 400 member organisations, working across Scotland, the rest of the UK and Europe to find innovative solutions to modern problems.

Our industry members range from medical biotechnology companies working on protein production through to those developing green solutions in biomanufacturing, that utilise agriculture, marine and forestry derived feedstocks in sustainable manufacturing processes.

Academic Members 


IBioIC works in partnership with a number of further education, higher education and research institutes across Scotland with core competencies in biotechnology processes.

These institutions are instrumental in contributing to the successful development of the IBioIC. If you are looking to collaborate and work with one of our academic partners, we can facilitate the introductions and make sure you are connected to the right people at the right educational institute.

 What is in an Innovation Centre?


Black background with white text and lines, reading 'Innovation Centres', supported by The Scottish Funding Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and Scottish Enterprise.

When it comes to innovation, coming up with the core idea is one thing – implementing it can be quite another. Often, it demands industry know-how, specialist research and new skillsets, not forgetting additional sources of funding. As an Innovation Centre, this is where we can help you.  

IBioIC has an extensive network that spans industry, academia and government. We can:

  • connect you to the companies that are already breaking new ground in your industry

  • link you in with the leading academics doing specialist research in your field

  • work with other public sector and third sector organisations who might be able to help you

  • both provide and advise on routes to funding your innovative ideas

  • upskill the next generation through our bespoke skills and training programmes

 What is Industrial Biotechnology?


An infographic showing sustainable living practices through industrial biotechnology at IBioIC, including the use of renewable resources like algae, sugar beet, and food waste to produce energy, cosmetics, medicines, fuel, biodegradable packaging, cleaning products, and other materials.

Biotechnology uses plant-based and waste resources to produce or process materials, chemicals and energy.

It offers green and sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels – and this can be everything from energy, to medicines and food packaging. Biotechnology holds one of the keys in unlocking the change we need to move from an economy largely reliant on fossil fuels, towards the Net-Zero targets set for 2045 in Scotland, and for the 2050 targets set at the UK level.