Innovation support

The Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) was established in 2014 to drive the growth of the Industrial Biotechnology (IB) sector in Scotland. Recognised as a European centre of excellence, IBioIC connects world-leading industry with Scotland’s outstanding academic expertise and government support to bring new IB processes and products to the global market. The Centre is a key driver of Scotland’s National Plan for Industrial Biotechnology, which has an ambitious target of generating £1.2 billion in associated turnover and 4,000 direct employees by 2025 for the industry in Scotland.

IBioIC facilitates collaboration, provides funding, offers bioprocess scale-up support, promotes the success of the sector, and develops skills and training programmes. We manage a network of over 300 industry members, 80% of which are SME or micro companies, as well as representatives from all Scottish universities, research institutes, and Further Education colleges.

What is biotechnology?

Biotechnology allows us to create an ever-expanding range of environmentally friendly products and processes using sustainable bio-based resources. The technology offers a route to create biofuels, speciality chemicals, textiles, medicines and personal care products without using environmentally harmful fossil fuels.

IBioIC provides support to every university and college in Scotland, which is a significant task for our small team. We are looking to recruit a ‘clan’ of helpers to champion industrial biotechnology across Scotland.

You don’t need to be an expert in IB, just someone who is passionate about research, innovation and training in this field, and eager to be advocate for its value for our people and our planet.

We are open to applications from postgraduates, post-doctoral researchers, or any staff (research, technical or professional support).

We need your help to:

·       Be a voice for IBioIC and IB within your institution.

·       Develop activities to help raise awareness of the opportunities that IB offers.

·       Flag exciting research and innovation taking place in your institution.

·       Promote our events, training and funding opportunities locally.

We ask for a minimum commitment in the role for a year, although you can agree to longer. This role will require no more than one day a month in total although you are welcome to contribute as much time and energy as you can.

The benefits of being an IB Champion

IB is a fast-moving sector that underpins Net Zero strategies and economic growth; it is also leading to the generation of exciting new companies and career opportunities. By working with IBioIC, you’ll connect with industry, learn about emerging technologies, explore new career paths, and expand your networks and skills.

In return, we will provide training and support, as well as free access to all our events including our Annual Conference – the UK’s largest IB conference. We’ll also host exclusive IB Champion events annually, to allow you to network and socialise with peers. Depending on funding constraints, we may also cover the cost of you attending IB relevant events in the UK or Europe.

If you’d like to be considered as an IB Champion, please complete the short application form by Friday 16 May 2025.

We will review applications by end of May and aim to have an initial team get together in September.

We look forward to welcoming you to the team!

• What 'activites' would I be asked to do?  

We are open to any ideas you might have to support the promotion of industrial biotechnology across your organisation and local area. For example: circulate information about relevant IBioIC events internally; organise an IB interest group in a topic relevant to your institute; develop an IB themed workshop or industry day; develop an outreach activity on bio-based products. We will not expect you to deliver any activity that you are not comfortable or capable of doing.  

• Who will be providing the training for the IB champions?

If you feel that training would be helpful, please talk to us about your needs. IBioIC will either provide support from within our team or we will contract out with external consultants. 

• What sort of UK/ European events will I be able to attend?

Funding permitted, IBioIC would support IB Champions attending an IB relevant industry event in UK or Europe.