News from IBioIC’s network

Six universities have received funding to collaborate with businesses based outwith Scotland in the latest round of the Scottish Inward Investment Catalyst Fund (IICF). The fund, managed by Interface and the Scottish Government, awards up to £10,000 for research and development projects.

Behind every sip of water and every turn of the tap lies an unseen system, quietly working to keep it flowing every day. But like many essential services, it faces growing challenges, from high energy demands and reliance on chemicals, to ageing infrastructure and climate change. In this interview, Annelie du Plessis (IBioIC) speaks with Tamsyn Kennedy (Scottish Water) about how biology and chemistry are driving change in the way we treat, reuse, and value water.

Potter Clarkson recently released the most comprehensive analysis of the synthetic biology (SynBio) patent landscape, offering unprecedented insights into one of the fastest-growing innovation sectors. The Synthetic Biology Patent Landscape Report examines 20 years of European Patent Office data (2004–2023) using cutting-edge AI-driven topic modelling combined with expert human analysis. 

What does the sea smell like when captured in a glass? And how might the way we process seaweed shape that experience? These were the unexpected questions that emerged during a recent sensory evaluation session exploring seaweed infusions in alcoholic beverages, a research project led by master’s student Naomi Morgan of the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD), Heriot-Watt University.

MYGroup has entered into a joint venture with insect genetics company Beta Bugs to supply eggs for its Black Soldier Fly (BSF) bioconversion Insectology™ process for food waste management.

IBioIC member E.V.A Biosystems has been awarded a prestigious Innovate UK grant to accelerate the development of its innovative selectively-degradable plastic additives – a major step forward in creating more sustainable and circular materials.

The University of Strathclyde has been chosen to lead a new Scotland-wide initiative to boost the creation of university spinout companies, backed by £800,000 in Scottish Government funding. The Spinout Pipeline Project will share commercialisation expertise across Scotland’s higher education sector and culminate in a national innovation summit in February 2026.

Heriot-Watt University has announced a transformative £35 million initiative to create the Centre for Sustainable Brewing and Distilling (CSBD), a state-of-the-art facility designed to ensure the long-term sustainability and global competitiveness of the brewing and distilling industries.