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- Tasks: Collaborate on engineering biology projects to solve real-world challenges for SMEs.
- Company: Join Innovate UK and UKRI in driving innovation across various industries.
- Benefits: Access up to £15,000 funding per project and gain valuable experience.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact while working with cutting-edge technology and fostering partnerships.
- Qualifications: Open to UK-registered academic institutions and Research and Technology Organisations.
- Other info: Projects run from September 2025 to February 2026; apply by 9 July 2025.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Engineering Biology SPARK awards will fund UK-registered academic institutions or Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs) to deliver an engineering biology project to address a challenge by a UK-registered Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) or to enhance the SME’s progress towards developing new products, processes, or services.
In this competition, up to £225,000 of total funding (up to £15,000 per project) is available to fund Engineering Biology SPARK Awards.
This funding is part of the Engineering Biology Innovation Network, led by Innovate UK Business Connect in collaboration with Innovate UK and UKRI’s Technology Mission Fund, which aims to drive the development of a joined-up UK innovation ecosystem to ensure synthetic biology tools, technologies and processes can be more easily developed and adopted by a variety of industries. The network’s goal is to progress innovations, create a commercially focused community and foster new consortia to advance innovations towards commercial applications.
Projects will start from 1 September 2025. Projects must finish by 28 February 2026.
What is an Engineering Biology SPARK Award?
Projects must have an overarching goal of ‘pulling’ engineering biology knowledge and expertise from lab-based discovery towards application.
Projects will use the engineering biology knowledge, expertise and facilities/tools of academic organisations to address a challenge held by an SME or to enhance progress towards developing new products, processes or services.
Projects must be a collaboration between an academic research organisation and an SME.
The Engineering Biology SPARK Awards aim to initiate longer-term partnerships.
Both partners should be instrumental in determining the need for the project and its design.
The SME can support in the delivery of the project goals by carrying out related and/or parallel activities, but they are not required to deliver any defined activities under the remit of the project.
The SME will not be able to claim funding for any work undertaken to support the project goals.
There should be a defined plan for how the SME will be involved in the exploitation of the project outcomes.
Projects Must
- address a challenge held by an SME or collaboratively enhance progress towards developing new products, processes or services
- be collaborative, led by one UK-registered academic institution or Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) (see here for eligible RTOs), and one UK-registered SME (see here for definition of an SME).
- focus on an engineering biology solution and fall within at least one of the following thematic areas:
- agriculture and food production
- health
- materials and chemicals
- energy and low carbon fuels
- waste recycling
- the development of novel synthetic biology tools and technologies
Further Information
Click here to download the SPARK Awards Competition Brief.
Email any questions to EngBio@iukbc.org.uk.
How to apply
Please read the privacy notice before applying.
Click the link below to start your application. Applications must be submitted by 11am BST on 9 July 2025.
Find out more and apply #J-18808-Ljbffr
Engineering Biology SPARK Awards employer: Innovate UK ICURe
Contact Detail:
Innovate UK ICURe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Biology SPARK Awards
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the engineering biology field. Attend relevant conferences, workshops, or webinars to meet potential collaborators from academic institutions or SMEs. Building these connections can help you find partners for your project.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by SMEs in the engineering biology sector. Understanding their needs will allow you to tailor your project proposal effectively and demonstrate how your project can provide real solutions.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends and advancements in engineering biology. This knowledge will not only enhance your project but also show your commitment to innovation, making your application more appealing to the selection committee.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with the Engineering Biology Innovation Network and other related organisations. They can provide valuable insights and resources that can strengthen your project proposal and increase your chances of securing funding.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Biology SPARK Awards
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Project Requirements: Thoroughly read the job description for the Engineering Biology SPARK Awards. Make sure you understand the overarching goals, eligibility criteria, and thematic areas that your project must address.
Collaborate Effectively: Since the project requires collaboration between an academic institution and an SME, ensure that both parties are aligned on the project goals and design. Clearly outline each partner's role in the application.
Craft a Strong Proposal: Your application should include a detailed plan that highlights how your project will pull engineering biology knowledge from lab-based discovery to practical application. Be specific about the challenges faced by the SME and how your project will address them.
Review and Submit: Before submitting your application, review all documents for clarity and completeness. Ensure that you meet the submission deadline of 11am BST on 9 July 2025, and double-check that all required information is included.
How to prepare for a job interview at Innovate UK ICURe
✨Understand the Project Goals
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the overarching goals of the Engineering Biology SPARK Awards. Familiarise yourself with how engineering biology can address challenges faced by SMEs and be prepared to discuss specific examples.
✨Highlight Collaborative Experience
Since the projects require collaboration between academic institutions and SMEs, be ready to showcase any previous experience you have in collaborative projects. Discuss how you contributed to team dynamics and project outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Thematic Areas
The awards focus on specific thematic areas such as agriculture, health, and energy. Brush up on recent developments in these fields and be prepared to discuss how your skills and knowledge align with these themes.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare insightful questions about the role, the projects, and the expectations from both the academic institution and the SME. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the position is right for you.
