Strategic and Accelerator Programmes
Strategic Programmes
IBioIC identifies and secures new funding to support Scotland's bioeconomy growth. We work on strategic government-led and international programmes that combine funding, technical support, networking and skills development to help businesses and researchers scale innovation and create economic impact.
Through our participation and expertise, we help member organisations navigate these opportunities and access the resources they need to succeed. Whether you're a business seeking growth funding, a researcher wanting to scale impact, or an entrepreneur developing breakthrough technology, our programmes provide structured support.
How We Can Support Your Bids
IBioIC can support your applications for funding and investment. If you need help developing your proposal, navigating available opportunities, or understanding eligibility criteria, get in touch with our team.
Current and Recent Programmes
Scotland’s Biobased Manufacturing Launchpad
This Innovate UK-backed programme accelerates biobased manufacturing SMEs across Scotland through funding, technical development support, network events and skills development. The programme combines financial grants with expert guidance to help companies develop sustainable, scalable innovations.
Recent rounds have awarded over £7 million to companies developing biobased solutions across diverse sectors, from advanced materials to chemical production.
Round 1 awarded £1.8M across 12 companies
Round 2 awarded £5.25M across 19 projects
IBioIC serves as the Cluster Management Organisation, working with Scottish Enterprise and Forth Valley College to provide technical support, network events and skills development.
Biotech Innovators
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.
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.
BITTS is currently inviting applications for cohort 3.
See the eligibility criteria and complete the Expression of Interest form to be considered for a place in cohort 3.
European Circular Innovation Valleys (ECIV)
IBioIC and Scottish Enterprise represent the Scottish region on this bold, collaborative initiative designed to accelerate the shift towards a circular economy across European regions. Funded through Horizon Europe and the European Regional Development Fund, ECIV brings together 147 regions to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems through cross-border collaboration and targeted investment.
The ECIV programme supports businesses and researchers to develop circular economy solutions, build cross-border partnerships, and access European funding and expertise.
Key Objectives
Develop circular bioeconomy value chains
Build regional innovation capacity
Foster cross-border collaboration
Support companies' transition to circularity
Investor Forum
Are You a Biotechnology-based Business Seeking Investment?
Our Investor Forums provide an opportunity for innovative bio-based businesses to showcase their investment opportunities directly to investors and investment partners.
These twice-yearly events are designed to increase the visibility of high-potential businesses, helping them raise their profile within the investment community, make valuable connections, and opening the door to future investment conversations.
To help businesses make the most of these opportunities, we also offer pitch training support in advance of the forums to refine your investment proposition, strengthening your pitch deck, and building confidence in presenting to an investor audience.
Register Your Interest
If you are seeking investment and would like to be considered for a future Investor Forum, please complete our Expression of Interest (EOI) form.
The information provided will help us understand your business, investment ambitions, and readiness for investor engagement, enabling us to identify suitable opportunities for participation and support.
Bioeconomy Cluster Builder (Completed)
The Bioeconomy Cluster Builder was a three-year European Regional Development Fund-backed project delivered by IBioIC in partnership with the Knowledge Transfer Network. The project successfully raised awareness of industrial biotechnology and supported the development of new bioeconomy value chains across Scotland and the wider UK.