Innovate UK’s Launchpad programme is supporting research and development initiatives designed to accelerate bio-based manufacturing in Scotland via £7.5 million of funding.
Grants ranging from £150,000 to £1million have been allocated to support a number of projects through the initiative. The grants are designed to help innovative businesses and research groups to scale their operations and contribute to a greener economy.
To support the award holders and build the biobased cluster, the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) has been awarded funding as the Cluster Management Organisation in partnership with Forth Valley College and Scottish Enterprise. Activities will support the projects with technical development, becoming investor ready and developing the necessary skills to turn ideas into commercial prospects.
Kirsty Neilson has recently been appointed as the Programme Manager of UKRI Launchpad, Cluster Management Organisation, and she took time out to visit the College’s Falkirk Campus recently for a tour of the facilities. Kirsty was welcomed to FVC’s Falkirk Campus by Mhairi Hay, Director of Curriculum for STEM and Construction and Pauline Jackson, FVC’s Development and Fundraising Manager.
Kirsty Neilson-Programme Manager, UKRI Launchpad, Cluster Management Organisation, said: “Partnering with Forth Valley College and Scottish Enterprise, IBioIC has secured Innovate UK Launchpad funding as the Cluster Management Organisation to support growth in Scottish biobased manufacturing. Forth Valley College has a pivotal role in delivering training to upskill industry and develop the future workforce to support the ‘just transition’ from petrochemicals to bio-based production.
“Forth Valley College stands as an exemplar of modern education, with state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge training resources that foster innovation and growth. The campus has a key role in shaping industry-ready talent and is primed to deliver the green skilled workforce needed to drive a more sustainable bioeconomy for Scotland.
“The College’s modern, well-equipped campus is the ideal place to cultivate industry-ready talent, playing a key role in shaping the green workforce of tomorrow.”
Mhairi Hay, FVC’s Director of Curriculum for STEM and Construction, said: “It was a pleasure to meet Kirsty and show her around our Falkirk Campus. It is important partnerships such as this one with IBiolC which enhances the reputation of our College as being a centre of excellence for STEM subjects and we look forward to growing this relationship in the months to come.”
Pauline Jackson FVC’s Development and Fundraising Manager, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with IBioIC and Scottish Enterprise to support organisations on their journey to commercialisation. There are so many different sectors that come under the umbrella of industrial biotechnology and access to skills is a key part of supporting their growth and innovation.”
More information and competition links: https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/programme/launchpads/
