On Wednesday the 27th of November 2013 Ingenza, a world leader in industrial biotechnology and synthetic biology, welcomed Fergus Ewing the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism, to officially open Ingenza’s new laboratory.
The new, state-of-the-art molecular biology laboratory will fully support the engineering and testing of advanced microbial production strains for high value chemicals and polymer intermediates. The laboratory will accelerate implementation of Ingenza’s proprietary technology for high throughput gene cloning, strain screening and bioprocess development.
Ingenza President, Dr Ian Fotheringham said, “We are delighted that Fergus Ewing joined us today to officially open our new expanded facilities and to hear our future plans. We are involved in a variety of exciting projects which have seen us not only open this new molecular biology laboratory but also a bespoke protein engineering suite, resulting in the recruitment of eight new staff members this year. We look forward to Ingenza’s continued growth and expansion into 2014 and beyond”.
Mr Ewing said: “Scotland’s strengths in industrial biotechnology, in both the academic and business communities, provide us with the potential to make a significant contribution to the development of this important growing sector. I am delighted to have been invited to open Ingenza’s new laboratories and wish them and their team every success in the future.”
“Over recent years the company has grown both in size and confidence. These new state-of-the art facilities will help Ingenza accelerate the development of its technology and attract talent and investment for its long term future, ensuring it continues as a key player in Scotland’s industrial biotechnology sector.”
Head of chemical sciences at Scottish Enterprise, Caroline Strain, said: “Growing Scotland’s strengths in industrial biotechnology is a key element of both the chemical sciences and life sciences sector strategies. Ingenza is already recognised as a world leader in industrial biotechnology and synthetic biology and our aim is to encourage and support ambitious, growing companies, such as Ingenza, to maximise the opportunities this emerging worldwide market offers.”
“We’ve worked intensively with Ingenza through our account management programme for over eight years providing strategic, tailored support such as strategy development, research and development, international market development and business efficiency. It’s a great example of a company which has increased its competitive advantage as a result of investing in IB technology.”
This new lab opening follows the recent launch by Chemical Sciences Scotland of its strategy “National Plan for Industrial Biotechnology” to increase Scotland’s industrial biotechnology (IB) activities and to capture a share of a potential £360 billion global market.
The National Plan for Industrial Biotechnology – Towards a Greener, Cleaner 2025 aims to increase existing IB turnover from £189 million to £900 million by 2025.
Currently home to over 40 companies actively involved in IB projects, including Ingenza, the strategy builds on Scotland’s existing expertise as well as encouraging more sustainable manufacturing processes and more businesses to diversify into this growing market.