The Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst (IBIC), hosted by The University of Manchester, provides funding to help translate industrial biotechnology research into practical applications, strengthen collaboration between academia and industry, and advance innovation towards commercialisation.
The funding schemes support partnership development, proof-of-concept projects, student and staff exchanges, networking, and the commercial development of research outputs.
Funding and Support
Relationship Development Scheme — up to £10,000
Supports new relationships between academic researchers and businesses, knowledge and skills exchange, market discovery, and the development of future collaboration opportunities.
Proof-of-Concept Scheme — up to £30,000
Supports early-stage evaluation, prototype and demonstrator development, initial trials, and scoping exercises. Projects should have a clear pathway towards outcomes such as new intellectual property, licensing agreements, spin-out companies or follow-on translational funding. A project partner with a committed cash contribution is required.
Secondment Exchange Scheme — up to £60,000
Supports two-way student and staff exchanges between university partners and businesses or other organisations. Projects should advance industrial biotechnology research outputs, strengthen business engagement and build longer-term partnerships.
Cluster and Networking Scheme — up to £5,000
Supports networking activities, workshops, showcases, demonstrations, scoping exercises, thematic knowledge exchange and public engagement to strengthen the industrial biotechnology ecosystem.
Commercial Development Fund — up to £50,000
Supports market and competitor analysis, technology evaluation, and engagement with external partners to advance start-up, spin-out and licensing opportunities. Funding should accelerate tangible social or commercial impact rather than simply extend standard research and development.
Purpose and Objectives
The funding aims to:
- Strengthen collaboration between academia, businesses and other partners.
- Translate industrial biotechnology research into practical applications.
- Support prototype development, feasibility work and early-stage validation.
- Build research, technical and commercialisation capabilities.
- Accelerate the development of spin-outs, licensing opportunities and other routes to impact.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility and assessment requirements depend on the selected scheme. The schemes support collaboration between academic researchers and industry or other partners.
Applicants should review the relevant scheme requirements and IBIC handbook before applying. The Proof-of-Concept Scheme specifically requires a project partner with a committed cash contribution.
Geographic Scope
IBIC's broader focus is on developing the industrial biotechnology ecosystem in North-West England. Applicants should confirm the geographic and partnership requirements applicable to their chosen scheme with the IBIC team.
Important Dates
10 December 2026: Closing date for the Relationship Development, Proof-of-Concept, Secondment Exchange and Commercial Development schemes.
The Cluster and Networking Scheme is listed as an open call on the official website.
Application Process
- Review the IBIC handbook and the requirements of the relevant funding scheme.
- Contact the IBIC team to discuss the proposed project and application requirements.
- Complete the relevant application form and submit the required supporting documentation.
- Successful applicants must have the relevant project agreements in place before starting their projects.
Contact Information
Organisation: Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst (IBIC), The University of Manchester
Email: ibic@manchester.ac.uk
Industry / Sector
Industrial biotechnology, research and development, academic–industry collaboration, and research commercialisation.
Click HERE to visit the official website.