BioIndustry Association Welcomes Funding for Synthetic Biotechnology Companies

7 March 2013 -- Welcoming today's announcement of £5.3 million funding for 15 business-led synthetic biotechnology projects from the Technology Strategy Board, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Steve Bates, BioIndustry Association (BIA) Chief Executive Officer, said:

"The BioIndustry Association is pleased to see much-needed support going to projects and companies in a rapidly-growing part of the biotechnology sector. These companies are developing applications and industrial processes that could significantly impact many sectors including healthcare and pharmaceuticals resulting in economic growth and job creation."

For further information, please contact Robert Winder, Head of Communications, rwinder@bioindustry.org, 020 7630 2191; mobile 07825 942 934.

Lead companies receiving awards

Cambimmune, Celbius Ltd, Croda, Demuris, GlaxoSmithKline, Green Biologics, Ingenza (three awards), Oxitec, Prokarium, Sympromics, Synthace Ltd, Unilever (R&D Colworth) and Unilever (R&D Port Sunlight).

BioIndustry Association

Founded over 20 years ago at the infancy of biotechnology, the BioIndustry Association (BIA) is the trade association for innovative enterprises involved in UK bioscience. Members include emerging and more established bioscience companies; pharmaceutical companies; academic, research and philanthropic organisations; and service providers to the bioscience sector. The BIA represents the interests of its members to a broad section of stakeholders, from government and regulators to patient groups and the media. Our goal is to secure the UK's position as a global hub and as the best location for innovative research and commercialisation, enabling our world-leading research base to deliver healthcare solutions that can truly make a difference to people's lives. For further information, please go to www.bioindustry.org