Introducing the benefits and applications of biotechnology to new sectors and markets in Scotland
The last few months have been busy for the Bioeconomy Cluster Builder (BCB) project – our three year collaboration with KTN and Scottish Enterprise to introduce the benefits and applications of biotechnology to new sectors and markets in Scotland.
In April, the BCB revealed a new logo and brand identity which is designed to reflect the project values of industry-led collaboration, commercialisation and innovation.
In concert with the new brand identity, the BCB website underwent a refresh to streamline navigability and make content more accessible to those less familiar with biotechnology and its potential to stimulate innovation and deliver efficiency across a wide range of sectors.
Getting People Together
May saw the launch of a new series of BCB activity built around the KTN Innovation Canvas.
Unpacking the Innovation Canvas
The kick-off event on 13 May was an overview of the KTN Innovation Canvas tool, which is designed to help businesses assess the strengths and weaknesses of a project or proposal and helps them prioritise their next steps. Attendees got an in-depth presentation from KTN’s Innovation Canvas lead outlining the core aspects of the tool in both print and digital formats, and participants were invited to submit their project proposals, with the most promising being taken forward for further support.
A series of tailored Innovation Canvas workshops will be woven throughout subsequent BCB themes. For more information and guidance on the tool please contact dana.heldt@ktn-uk.org or kim.cameron@ibioic.com
If you didn’t catch the live presentation a recording is available HERE, or watch below.
Industrial Applications of Biomass and Processing By-products
On 27th May, the BCB and SNaPNet held this well attended workshop – their second collaboration following a successful networking session in February. The event was an opportunity for attendees to consider three aspects of biomass utilisation; waste biomass and processing by-products, non-food crops as sustainable feedstocks for high value chemical manufacturing, and innovative applications of fermentation technology.
Contributions came from industry challenge holders in each of these areas:
Argent Energy (waste biomass)
UnyteHemp and SAOS (non-food crop to high value chemicals)
Scotch Whisky Research Institute (innovative applications of fermentation technology)
These were followed by academic pitch sessions across a range of specialisms. Attendees were then invited to join breakout rooms to consider challenges and opportunities around each theme. The outputs from the workshop will be used to inform the IBioIC and KTN responses to the BEIS Role of Biomass in achieving Net Zero: call for evidence. This important process will inform the development of future UK government biomass strategy. The call closes on 15th June and we would urge anyone with an interest in steering future biomass utilisation to head online and make their voice heard.
You can watch the recording below, and sign up for the follow-up event on 24 June here.
Talk to IBioIC about growing the Bioeconomy!
Are you a Scottish SME with an exciting idea for a bio-based product, service or process, but need strategic guidance to bring it to market? Get in touch with Kim Cameron, Bioeconomy Cluster Business Engagement Manager to find out more about future BCB plans, or to get involved with the project at kim.cameron@ibioic.com.