Biotech Innovators - Train to Scale
Biotech Innovators—Train to Scale is IBioIC's flagship accelerator programme, designed to help early-stage biotechnology companies navigate the journey from breakthrough innovation to commercial success.
Building a biotech business comes with unique challenges. Alongside the pressures faced by all startups, biotech companies must secure research funding, develop viable routes to market, scale laboratory processes, attract specialist talent, and navigate complex supply chains and regulatory hurdles. These are not simply growing pains; they are critical barriers that can determine whether a promising innovation reaches its full potential.
That's where Biotech Innovators can make the difference.
Drawing on IBioIC's extensive network, industry expertise and sector-leading facilities, the programme provides tailored support to help ambitious biotech companies accelerate growth. Through a series of expert-led modules, interactive workshops and peer-learning opportunities, participants will gain practical insights, access specialist support, and build connections with industry leaders, investors and fellow innovators.
Whether you're validating your technology, planning for scale-up, preparing to raise investment, or refining your commercial strategy, Biotech Innovators: Train to Scale will provide the fundamental knowledge, tools and network to help you succeed.
Why Join BITTS?
Expert-led, interactive in-person training modules
Practical guidance to de-risk and accelerate business growth
Access to a supportive network of peers, mentors, industry experts and investors
Tools and insights to help secure funding, partnerships and talent
Tailored support designed specifically for biotechnology businesses
Round 3 Applications Now Open
Complete and submit your Expression of Interest form by 17.00 on 13 November 2026.
Alternatively, if you have any questions, please contact kirsty.neilson@ibioic.com
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Build the Foundations - Establish the key building blocks for a successful biotech venture.
The IBioIC Business Simulation
Setting up a Laboratory
Assembling a Winning Team
Understanding Intellectual Property and Tax Incentives in Biotechnology
Fund and Commercialise - Develop a compelling commercial proposition and secure the resources needed to grow.
Raising Investment
How to Write a Successful Innovation Grant Proposal
Commercial Fundamentals and Developing Routes to Market in Biotechnology
Scale with Confidence - Gain the technical knowledge required to move from laboratory innovation to industrial deployment whilst building resilient and responsible businesses that can thrive in a changing world.
Technical Fundamentals of Scale-up
Cost Awareness for Building a Pilot Facility
Technoeconomics and Mass Flow Fundamentals
Securing Supply Chains in Biotechnology
Life Cycle Analysis-Environmental Impact and Sustainability
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Before you apply, please make sure that you’re eligible for the Biotech Innovators accelerator programme.
The entry guidelines are:
Entrants should be between 12-months pre-incorporation and 4 years post-incorporation.
Technology solutions should be at a technology readiness level (TRL) of 2 to 6 inclusive in order to be eligible for the Accelerator. We will accept applications from entrants that have developed other technologies at higher TRLs as long as the innovation they are applying with is TRL 2 to TRL 6.
Entrants can be based anywhere in Scotland or be committed to establishing a presence in Scotland during the Biotech Innovators programme.
Entrants located outside Scotland must be able to communicate clearly how they plan to benefit the Scottish economy.
Entrants must be developing biotechnology solutions that fit one or more of our technology focus areas, set out below.
All entries should be aligned to the Scottish National Plan for Industrial Biotechnology.
All teams must be inclusive and diverse or open to building diverse teams.
All applicants must attend all monthly in-person events, unless there are exceptional circumstances. These will be located mainly in Glasgow, with 2 events based elsewhere on the Central Belt.
Technology focus areas:
Biorefining
Biomanufacturing
Bio-based construction
Food and drink
Textiles and materials
Waste management
Enzymes and catalysts
Downstream processing
Agritech
Marine biotechnology
Biopharmaceuticals
“The IBioIC Biotech Innovators program is one of the best accelerators I have participated in. Working in biotech is quite niche, and it can be difficult to find the specialised, focused expertise needed to get your venture off the ground. This programme delivered that at just the right time for me and continues to shape how I run my business.”
“The Biotech Innovators programme is a unique initiative in the Scottish ecosystem that combines venture building of traditional incubators along with valuable insights on how to run a biotech company. It gave us the opportunity to organise our company’s structure in and out of the lab, explore the various funding opportunities, and pitch in front of biotech investors. Overall is an excellent programme tailored to support early stage biotech companies.”
“The IBioIC Biotech Innovators programme has been a fantastic source of support for my biotech startup. The content of the sessions is tailored specifically to early-stage biotech companies, addressing both technical and commercial aspects of starting and growing a business in this specific field. We covered everything from raising investment to how to build a pilot facility – a complete toolkit for biotech startups! My favourite session was the intensive 2-day pitch training, which was both enormously challenging and helpful. In addition to the sessions, the programme also provides many networking opportunities and gave us the opportunity to pitch in front of biotech investors. Biotech Innovators is an excellent, all-round support programme for new biotech entrepreneurs”