News from IBioIC’s network

From the fishing vessels that land wild-caught fish to the salmon farms along the west coast, the impact of Scotland’s seafood industry stretches far beyond the shoreline, underpinning over 75,000 jobs and contributing around £5 billion to the marine economy each year.

NCIMB, the Aberdeen-based microbiology company is delighted to welcome Martin Gouldstone as chairman of the board.

An Edinburgh-based biologist-turned-entrepreneur is combining ancient fermentation techniques with modern biotechnology to create a non-alcoholic fermented beverage that’s full of flavour and free from artificial sweeteners, flavours or preservatives, inspired by his childhood in Estonia.

The Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) has marked a major milestone this year by welcoming its 400th member, Fevvers - a pioneering materials innovation company creating a vegan, cruelty-free alternative to feathers. This achievement not only highlights the rapid expansion of Scotland’s bioeconomy but also underscores IBioIC’s position as a leading hub for sustainable innovation. The network welcomed 100 new members this year just nine months after surpassing its 300-member milestone in February.

This innovative initiative aims to transform potato shaws into high value bio- derived ingredients for cosmeceutical, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.

The Scottish Ocean Cluster has received a boost with more than £15,000 of funding from Marine Fund Scotland, enabling the next stage of development for the pioneering initiative that aims to unlock three times more value from Scotland’s seafood industry side streams.

From the cotton fields and oil wells that provide today’s fibres to the landfill sites where old garments end up, fashion’s environmental impact is felt across its full value chain. Kim Cameron, Senior Impact Manager at the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC), explained to Circular Online this week how biotechnology is stitching sustainability into the fashion industry.

Colleges across Scotland are set to enhance their entrepreneurial focus through a new Entrepreneur in Residence programme designed to strengthen enterprise and innovation.