Biotechnology leads major science and technology package to drive medical advances and reduce red tape, driving innovation and growth in the UK

£100 million has been awarded to biotech companies across the UK to help pioneer new technologies to help prepare for pandemics, innovate agriculture and protect against floods.

This cash will be donated to six new ‘Engineering Biology Mission Hubs’ and 22 ‘Mission Award’ projects across the country to address global challenges, drive economic growth and build national resilience. We aim to build on the great potential of engineering biology to enhance the future.

This would allow governments to scrap research red tape and unshackle scientists, allowing them to spend more time in the lab developing new vaccines instead of filling out unnecessary paperwork. This comes as we redouble our efforts to support scientific growth and innovation.

During a visit to the UK Biobank in Stockport earlier this week (Wednesday 7 February), Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donnellan highlighted the UK’s mission to become a science and technology superpower at the end of a week of demonstrations. I mentioned the importance. The year saw clear progress in the UK’s five key technologies: AI, Quantum, Engineering Biology, Future Telecommunications and Semiconductors.

The Science and Technology Secretary also announced a series of announcements to further the Department’s work, including £21 million for a world-leading biobank. UK Biobank has received funding for a new robotic freezer that will be used to store the biological data of 20 million samples, further supporting research that is being used to treat diseases such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Masu.

This investment will deliver the long-term transformative change needed to give the UK a bright future and improve economic security and opportunity for all.

Michelle Donnellan, Science and Technology Secretary, said:

Long-term growth is the only way to deliver the public services and improved living standards that all Britons want for themselves and their families.

But as history has shown, the real drivers of growth are technological and scientific advances, and despite our existing strengths in these areas, we can’t pat ourselves on the back and get off the ball. I can’t look away.

Establishing Britain as a science and technology powerhouse by 2030 is more than just a slogan. This is the goal we must achieve if we want to continue to grow our economy, create well-paid jobs and build a better, healthier and more prosperous future for Britain.

A comprehensive set of new announcements and pledges will be essential to making the UK a science and technology powerhouse by 2030 and driving long-term change across the country.

Other announcements made today include:

• Research Ventures Catalyst Seed Funding winners announced – up to £100,000 will be awarded to organizations finding new and innovative ways to raise world-class funding Research and Development In England.
• Science and Technology Framework Update – Outlines progress made since the Framework’s launch last year – shows the Government is providing record levels of funding to the Science and Technology sector Research and Development Over the past year, the UK has provided more than £19.4bn of funding to help leading researchers spread the benefits of innovation – more jobs, opportunity and prosperity – across the country.
• Two UK-led publications G7 papers on Research and Development Shared values ​​and best practice – Reiterating the UK’s global leadership in science and technology and ensuring that research is carried out in a way that protects, rather than undermines, national security.
• We are launching a £3 million metascience grant appeal, with the aim of increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the UK’s already world-leading research system.
• Launch of interactive Innovation Cluster Map – a comprehensive map of innovation activity in the UK, aimed at helping policymakers and investors better understand, engage with and invest in the UK’s vibrant innovation ecosystem. provides a complete picture.

The measures will see a record £19.4 billion invested in research this year alone, the highest level the country has ever seen, and the almost 250,000 jobs the sector has created over the past decade. (up 41%). . Statistics show that for every £1 invested in business innovation grants at Innovate UK alone, it generates more than £3.60 in direct business benefits, with a total economic benefit worth more than £6.20 to his To do.

Note to editor

The full text of today’s announcement from the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology is below: