British Biotech Startup Slashes Scale-Up Costs for Sustainable Oils
Sun Bear Biofuture, a UK based biotech startup making sustainable fats and oils from fermentation, has completed its first successful production run using a custom-built pilot plant at less than 10% of the average setup cost.
New White Paper Sets Out GMP Software Roadmap for Industrial Biotech Instrumentation Developers
Firefinch Software publishes practical guidance to help instrumentation companies unlock GMP-regulated markets - and avoid the compliance pitfalls that slow scale-up.
Call for Governing Board Members
The Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) is looking for a variety of experts to volunteer to join its Governing Board from August 2026 for three years in the first instance.
Strengthening circular bioeconomy links with Norway
We were delighted to help welcome the Biosirkel delegation from Norway to Scotland this week, as part of a three-day study visit organised by Zero Waste Scotland. The visit brought together partners from across Scotland’s bioeconomy ecosystem to share insights, showcase innovation and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
Carbogenics Secures $80,000 Workforce Funding to Accelerate U.S. Expansion in New Mexico
Carbogenics has announced it has been awarded $80,000 through the Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP), administered by the New Mexico Economic Development Department.
Carbogenics Shortlisted for Sustainability Category at Scotland Business of the Year Awards 2026
Carbogenics, an Edinburgh-based cleantech company specialising in advanced biochar solutions, has been shortlisted for the Sustainability Category at the Scotland Business of the Year Awards 2026.
Atelerix launches STORganoid cryo-free preservation solution for complex 3D cell models
Atelerix, a biotech company revolutionising cell preservation and biological transport with its pioneering hydrogel encapsulation technology, has announced the launch of STORganoid™, an ambient-temperature preservation solution for organoids and spheroids. The product enables storage and shipment of complex 3D cell models over extended periods of time, without compromising viability or reproducibility.
Fermtech Secures £2.5M Backing to Scale Sustainable Cocoa Alternative
Fermtech, the biotech company pioneering fermentation technology to unlock more value from existing crops, has raised £2.5 million in seed funding to scale production of its Koji Cocoa™, a sustainable cocoa alternative made from cocoa shells. The product delivers 25%-33% cost savings in chocolate and baked goods and achieves up to 98% lower carbon emissions - all without requiring additional farmland.
Celtic Renewables and NCIMB form new partnership to further advance biological processes
Scottish bio-based chemical manufacturer Celtic Renewables is collaborating on a three-month project with Aberdeen-based microbiology company NCIMB. Celtic converts waste and by-products like potatoes and residues from whisky distillation into bio-based chemicals.
New Wave Biotech and iMEAN Announce First Cell-to-Product AI Optimisation Solution for Biomanufacturing
New Wave Biotech and iMEAN have partnered to offer biomanufacturers a pioneering combined solution for end-to-end bioprocess optimisation, combining New Wave’s downstream process, TEA and LCA modelling capabilities with iMEAN’s strain design and upstream process modelling expertise.
Plastic bottles transformed into Parkinson’s drug using bacteria
A drug to treat Parkinson’s disease can be made from waste plastic bottles using a pioneering method, a study shows.
The approach harnesses the power of bacteria to transform post-consumer plastic into L-DOPA, a frontline medication for the neurological disorder.
It is the first time a natural, biological process has been engineered to turn plastic waste into a therapeutic for a neurological disease, researchers say.
Firefinch Software joins ABHI and launches UK–Europe training roadshow for medical device developers
Firefinch Software, a multidisciplinary group of developers and experts who specialise in the development of life sciences software, today announced that they have become a member of the Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI), the UK’s leading industry association for healthtech. The move underlines Firefinch’s commitment to helping medical device developers build robust, regulation ready at every stage of their journey from start-up, spin-out or scale up.
Meet the apprentice-turned-PhD scientist supporting the next generation at Ingenza
A scientist who joined Ingenza as a 16-year-old apprentice has completed a PhD while working full-time at the company – a career path that highlights the long-term impact of work-based learning as part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week.
Viewing water as a closed loop is key to protecting our environment
Water is often thought of as flowing in a straight line: taken from the environment, used, and then released, with the assumption that once it disappears down a drain or back into a river, the cycle is complete.
In reality, water never truly leaves the system.
Researchers pioneer ‘living infrastructure’ using plants and worms to regenerate polluted urban soils
A team of researchers across Scotland and England is showing how biological systems can reshape the way cities deal with polluted soils, offering a glimpse into a future where natural urban infrastructures are greener, cheaper, and more resilient.
Beta Bugs Ltd Appoints Dr Alan Tinch as CEO to Lead Genetics-Focused Strategy
Beta Bugs Ltd, a developer of premium Black Soldier Fly (BSF) genetics, has announced the appointment of Dr Alan Tinch as Chief Executive Officer, effective February 2026.
$3 Million Investment for Edinburgh-Based Specialist Bio-carbon Designer Carbogenics
Carbogenics, a specialist bio-carbon designer headquartered in Edinburgh, has successfully closed a $3 million investment and grant funding round, positioning the firm for accelerated growth and international expansion. The funding marks a significant vote of confidence in Carbogenics’ breakthrough carbon removal technology, CreChar®, a biochar designed to transform biomass waste into a sustainable, carbon-negative solution, particularly within the Biogas Industry.
How a more collaborative seafood industry could help Scotland reel in greater value
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 appoints Martin Gouldstone as new Chairman
NCIMB, the Aberdeen-based microbiology company is delighted to welcome Martin Gouldstone as chairman of the board.
Edinburgh start-up taps into centuries-old recipe to create fermented non-alcoholic brew
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.