Networking and events
We have been delighted to be able to return to some in-person events and networking in the past few months. Whether in-person or virtual, below is a snapshot of some of our favourite moments.
IBioIC Member Social
IBioIC’s Spring Member Social marked a welcome return to face-to-face networking in the lavish surroundings of Ghillie Du in Edinburgh. The afternoon started with an introduction from Mark Bustard, CEO. Liz Fletcher, Director of Operations and Business Engagement outlined all the ways in which IBioIC can support industry members and academic partners through networking, funding, projects, scaling up and skills, and who to talk to for support. Dr Neil Renault gave an update on IBioIC bioprocessing facilities, scale up challenges, and some ongoing projects, as well as case studies and training opportunities on offer.
Quick-fire pitches
While the novelty of face-to-face networking was a highlight of the day, it’s fair to say the energy of the quick-fire pitches made the day, and we’ve summarised them below:-
Bouyges Energies and Services – Support the design and build of cleanrooms, labs and industrial plants from concept to completion
BKW Instruments – process instrumentation supply and service across the supply chain
Carbogenics – outlined value of circular approach to biogas and seeking investment for first in its kind facility to manufacture their CreChar product
Cellexus – outlined how their single-use airlift bioreactor improves and simplifies cell culture and fermentation processes
Cellucomp – Use of root vegetable waste streams to develop microfibrillated cellulose to replace plastics and help reduce Carbon footprint of materials
Drochaid Research Services – contract R&D partner offering catalysis/materials science support in testing, screening and synthesis outlined their experience supporting partners in circular economy, bioeconomy and energy
During the break, we heard a case study from Impact Solutions, who gave an overview of their IBioIC funded project evaluating the use of fish waste as a novel feedstock for the bioproduction of Adipic Acid in E. Coli.
Ingenza – provided an overview of support services in Molecular Biology, fermentation and chemistry
NCIMB – supply microbial cultures, and provide analytical services and material storage to help develop, comply and safeguard industry and academia
Potter Clarkson – law firm supporting the creation of value from innovation
Roslin Technologies – sustainable production of alternative proteins using stem cell source material with the aim of scaling up to manufacture cultivated meat
Scottish Edge – Offer funding opportunities of up to £100K in industrial biotechnology as well as additional support and mentorship. IBioIC member companies who have benefitted include Dyneval, OGI Bio, Mi:RNA and TenBio.
Net Zero Conference
On March 23, IBioIC sponsored the Net Zero Scotland Conference at Our Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh. Entitled ‘Accelerating the Transition to a Net Zero Nation’ the conference explored how innovation can help the public sector and society to meet the Net Zero Nation challenge. Keynote speakers included MSPs Richard Lochhead and Jenny Gilruth and a host of innovative companies generating low carbon solutions for energy, transport and construction.
9th Scottish Fermentation Network Event
On 31 March 2022, the 9th Scottish Fermentation Network (SFN) Event was hosted online, with nearly 50 attendees from the UK and abroad.
Dr. Shiwen Zhuang (IBioIC Senior Fermentation Scientist at the IBioIC’s Scale-up facility, FlexBio) gave a warm welcome and introduced IBioIC and the new SFN logo. This was followed by three very engaging presentations delivered by Professor Jacqui Matthews (Roslin Technologies), James Leverton-Smith (Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group) and Dr. Joseph Palmer (ScotBio). The event was closed with a fun science quiz to round off a very successful afternoon. Plans are currently under way for an in-person event in May with beer tasting.
The Scottish Fermentation Network is a voluntary community founded by IBioIC in 2017, with a mission to share knowledge, employment opportunities and also to promote synergies within members.
