What are the barriers to funding Industrial Biotechnology in the UK?

Date: 18.10.2011 16:30 - 18:00

Location: NESTA, 1 Plough Place, London, EC4A 1DE

Industrial Biotech is a growth sector, and of increasing interest to a range of industries, including energy, new materials, manufacturing, waste and food. A recent review by the government's Innovation & Growth Team identified financing as one of a number of barriers to this sector in the UK.

NESTA commissioned a survey on financing in the UK industrial biotechnology sector, to examine how early-stage and growth funding can be expanded, and returns for investors improved. This research, being conducted by Technology Greenhouse will examine the current funding environment, particularly for the proof of concept and growth stages, and make recommendations to improve funding in the sector.
 
At this event, we discussed the report findings, based on extensive interviews with companies and funders in the sector. Speakers included Ian Shott, who led the government Industrial Biotech Innovation and Growth Team; Philip Brain, Technology Greenhouse; Rob Wylie, WHEB Ventures and Mark Morgan, CMAI Global.

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