A total investment of up to £5.25m is being channelled into the Launchpad for Scotland in this round, with grant funding packages between £25,000 and £1m available for projects from Micro Small or Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) or consortia that can provide exceptional impact to the bio-based manufacturing industry cluster.  

Developed in partnership with Scottish Enterprise, Innovate UK’s Launchpad is designed to support businesses growing their innovation activities, in different bio-based sectors across Scotland.  

Applications can be made from 4 November to 11 December 2024 with funding expected to provide additional financial backing to innovative companies ready to scale their operations and contribute to a greener economy.  

The Launchpad supports the ambition of Scotland’s Industrial Biotechnology strategy, which aims to grow company turnover beyond £1.2 billion by 2026 and accelerate innovation in industrial biotechnology, biomass supply chain development and sustainable production and manufacturing.  

The first year of the Launchpad saw a tremendous response from the sector, with initial funding of over £1.8 million allocated to companies in Scotland including businesses innovating in areas such as green fuels, polymers, and alternative foods. The next phase will continue to foster collaboration, ensuring Scotland remains a leader in bio-based technologies. 

Scottish Enterprise (SE) Director Scaling Innovation Derek Shaw said: “Scotland is at the forefront of the bio-based manufacturing revolution. We punch above our weight with a fast-growing nascent innovation cluster, abundant bio-resources and renewable energy, world class research in the field and effective cluster management from the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC).  

“With this second round of funding, we’re keen to support Scottish businesses to innovate, collaborate and lead in sustainable practices that will benefit our communities and the environment, as well as supporting Scotland’s ambitious Industrial Biotechnology strategy goals.

“Our partnership with Innovate UK ensures the right support is in place to allow the bio-based manufacturing sector to thrive, and I’m excited to see another cohort of quality applicants to the Launchpad this year.”  

Interested businesses are encouraged to apply by 11am on 11 December 2024, with full details available at https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/search