New IBioIC Membership Model — IBioIC Publications

An update from IBioIC’s Caroline Kewney, Senior Business Engagement Manager

In May, IBioIC announced a new, simplified membership model designed to better serve our members’ needs.

We are listening to you, our members

IBioIC is an internationally leading centre for industrial biotechnology, driving innovation and economic growth through our networks and academic and industrial members. Our membership is vital to our success and we have continued to grow our network despite the events of the past year – it has been a difficult year for many of you – and we have listened.

For example, with the knowledge that several members were struggling financially during the Covid crisis, we offered a four-month payment holiday and removed fees for membership, projects and PhDs, as well as our 2021 annual conference. This prompted us to reflect on our membership model, and to find a way to simplify this going forward.

Why we have we changed the membership model?

Through discussions over the past year with our members, we found that many of our members have the same concern: our current membership model is too complicated. Hence after over a year of trialling the new model we are delighted to announce that we will move to a new membership model, which will better meet members’ needs and requirements.

What does the new membership model look like?

The new model is simple and straightforward, offering a single annual payment that provides members access to:

Uncapped opportunities to apply for IBioIC funding and PhD
Support with identifying and applying for funding
Access to Scale up accelerator funding (50% funding)
Discount on prices for scale-up support and/or equipment rental
Invitations to all member events
Marketing and social media support
Advertising and recruitment support through our networks
Discounted access to the annual conference
Consultancy services
Single annual payment (August 1st)

When will this happen?

The new model will take effect from 1 August, at which point we will move all members to a single renewal point each year on 1 August, aligning with the university finance year. Members will transition to the new model during the first year. No company will be disadvantaged, and in fact many will gain greatly from the opportunities on offer.

We hope you will appreciate that we are endeavouring to listen and adapt to member needs. IBioIC exists to provide YOU the support needed to develop and grow. We strive to provide innovation support, skills, and workforce development through membership and stakeholder engagement. We will continue to provide you with networking and support to link industry, academia and government with goal of growing the bioeconomy and bringing more innovative and exciting biotechnology processes and products to the global market.

We hope this new membership model is simpler and offers you greater value in being an active member of our fast-growing and exciting network.

Have questions?

Please get in touch with Caroline directly at caroline.kewney@ibioic.com or Carol Badger at carol.badger@ibioic.com for any questions or concerns regarding the new membership model.