Global food systems are entering a period where climate stability can no longer be assumed, and few commodities illustrate that shift more clearly than cocoa. In the UK, chocolate prices have risen sharply, with the Office for National Statistics reporting a 17.5% year-on-year increase in October 2025. An immediate opportunity may lie in making better use of what already exists. During processing, cocoa beans are separated from shells and husks, which are produced in large volumes and typically used in low-value applications such as compost or mulch, despite still containing useful flavour compounds. Fermtech’s Koji Cocoa approach builds on this principle by using cocoa by-products already generated within established processing systems.

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.

Firefinch Software publishes practical guidance to help instrumentation companies unlock GMP-regulated markets - and avoid the compliance pitfalls that slow scale-up.

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, 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, 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, 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.

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 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.

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, 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.

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.

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, a developer of premium Black Soldier Fly (BSF) genetics, has announced the appointment of Dr Alan Tinch as Chief Executive Officer, effective February 2026.

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.

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.