Scotland’s biotechnology sector is celebrating a major milestone with the launch of the nation’s first open-access 300-litre fermenter – a state-of-the-art piece of equipment that will support early-stage companies to develop bio-based products at scale.

Located at FlexBIO, the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre’s (IBioIC) scale-up facility at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, installation of the new fermenter was made possible by a £847,000 grant from Scottish Enterprise, Scotland’s national economic development agency.

The launch event, which took place across FlexBIO and the National Robotarium, brought together key industry stakeholders for a morning of networking and presentations, as well as the chance to view the fermenter in situ and learn more about how it will be used to support young companies.

The investment expands IBioIC’s scale-up capabilities significantly, increasing upstream bioprocessing capacity tenfold – from 30 litres to 300 litres. The fermenter, a type of bioreactor used to cultivate microorganisms – offers a crucial bridge between lab-scale development and full-scale production, allowing businesses to conduct trials without disrupting their day-to-day operations or bearing the high cost of purchasing the expensive equipment themselves.

Fermentation is a key stage of bioprocessing involving active ingredients such as yeast, bacteria and algae. End uses span a wide range of sectors, from cultivated meat and alternative proteins for the food sector, to natural dyes and fibres for sustainable textiles, and bio-based ingredients for medicines and cosmetics.

Products created through biological processes instead of petrochemicals provide a sustainable alternative to traditional manufacturing. However, translating lab-based science into industry-ready processes remains a major challenge for bio-based businesses. The high cost of infrastructure, such as large-scale fermenters, in one barrier – but many companies also lack the in-house expertise needed to scale up. FlexBIO helps to bridge both gaps by offering access to equipment and technical know-how under one roof.

Addressing this well-recognised ‘valley of death’ in industrial biotechnology has become a strategic investment focus for the Scottish Government and a central element of the nation’s commitment to reaching net zero by 2045.

Mark Bustard, CEO of IBioIC, said: “The new fermenter will provide a significant boost for Scotland’s bioeconomy, offering the vital scale-up infrastructure that many companies need to take the next step. It enables a smoother transition from lab research to industrial production, giving businesses greater confidence and credibility as they seek investment to scale. 

Beyond that, it also reinforces Scotland’s reputation as a hub for sustainable innovation and a leading destination for producing bio-based products and materials.”

The support from Scottish Enterprise will help accelerate the growth of industrial biotechnology in Scotland through the new fermenter facility. It also helps address the investment challenges in the industry and the access issues faced by aspiring bio-based manufacturing companies.

Adrian Gillespie, CEO at Scottish Enterprise, said: “Providing access to cutting-edge equipment, like this fermenter, is a vital step in supporting Scotland’s bio-based manufacturers to reach their full potential. 

Using these facilities will help ambitious spinouts, start-ups and smaller companies to scale up, accelerating their journey from the lab to full-scale production. At Scottish Enterprise, we’re focused on helping more companies to scale, creating more high-quality jobs and economic growth for Scotland.”