Engineering Biology Investor Partnerships round 1

This investor-partnership competition supports late-stage development and adoption of engineered biological products and services. Eligible themes include health, food and agriculture, chemicals and materials, low-carbon fuels, waste and environment, and enabling technologies. Projects must offer a credible route to market and company growth. Grant requests range from £250,000 to £2 million for 24-month projects, with funding rates depending on business size. A designated investor must lead aligned private financing worth at least twice the grant. Applications close on 2 December 2026 at 11:00 UK time; investor heads of terms are due by 29 July 2027 and projects must start by 1 December 2027.

Single UK-registered SME undertaking experimental development in engineering biology. One application per business. The proposal needs a route to market and growth, and aligned investment through a designated lead investor. Fundamental research, clinical trials, preclinical therapeutic evaluation and large capital infrastructure are excluded.