Interest in engineering biology is growing. This is not surprising if we think of some of the great achievements if the field.
For example, in 2018, engineering biology contributed to the creation of a living cell that reacts and responds to cancerous cells.
Likewise, there is extensive research that demonstrates the applications of engineering biology to the development of pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, materials and more.
Engineering biology has the potential to reach many aspects of our lives. Developments within the sector will be key, but it’ll also achieve this by building a new, high-skilled and high-valued economic sector.
That’s why the Department for Science, Industry and Technology (DSIT) used our platform and real-time industry classification (RTIC) methodology to produce their own RTICs that gathered companies working in the field. The outputs are featured in DSIT’s recent report National Vision for Engineering Biology.
These RTICs are a fantastic source of information for innovative UK companies in the sector. In addition, the RTIC structure and keyword filters make it easy to find companies in key trends such as gene editing, bioprinting and biomanufacturing.
In fact, we’ve done just that. Here’s some of the companies we found.
Gene editing
Gene editing is a technology that allows scientists to modify or alter the DNA of living organisms, making precise changes to specific parts of the genetic code. This is revolutionising pharma and agriculture, amongst others.
There are two key companies that I would like to highlight.
- The first is Horizon Discovery, who apply their technology to the development of new medical products, processes and treatment.
- The second is CIBUS, who are working to develop new crops without the use of foreign DNA or transgenics associated with GMOs.
These are organisations accumulating significant talent and funding to improve fundamental practices that can lead to a better quality of life.
Bioprinting
With bioprinting we can see how a technology that was traditionally thought of as part of advanced manufacturing techniques—3D printing—was adapted by engineering biology for new purposes.
Bioprinting is a cutting-edge technology that creates three-dimensional biological structures by depositing living cells layer by layer using specialized 3D printers. It’s used to produce tissues, organs, and other biological materials for medical and research purposes.
- ARRAYJET is one of the first UK companies providing bioprinting services and instruments, developing from membrane-embedded protein arrays to nanofluidic chips.
Biomanufacturing
Biomanufacturing uses living cells, organisms, or their components to create products such as medicines, chemicals, materials, or energy.
It harnesses biological systems to produce commercially valuable substances, often using fermentation, cell culture, or genetic engineering techniques in controlled environments like laboratories or bioreactors. It is a new way of developing old and new products that can improve existing processes.
- Green Bioactives produces sustainable products thanks to Plant Cell Culture Therapy. These are supplied to the cosmetic industry.
- Extracellular focuses on cultivated meat, contributing to the product revolution that can help carbon emissions.
At the forefront
It is widely acknowledged that the UK has key infrastructure, knowledge and capital to become a pioneer territory for engineering biology research.
This is the right moment to act.
Having access to detailed data about engineering biology companies can transform investment decisions, helping create defined investment strategies and policies.
If our data interests you, then why not sign up for our free trial? If you’d like to know more about this work in particular—or anything else for that matter—then get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.
