10077636A new startup company commercialising an ultra-high throughput enzyme discovery and improvement technologyClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKThe chemistry that underpins manufacturing has traditionally been driven by finite fossil chemicals and processes that we now understand are inherently unsustainable and bad for both people and the planet. We can turn to the natural power of biology for a more sustainable system: a circular global bioeconomy. Enzymes are biological catalysts which enable and accelerate chemical reactions, but require R&D. Our new startup company will revolutionise enzyme discovery and improvement, enabling a key piece of the bioeconomy puzzle in markets such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, agrichemicals, cosmetics, flavourings and biofuels. Our innovation is an ability to experimentally test many millions of enzymes simultaneously, to find the best one for the job more quickly, efficiently, and successfully than existing technologies. The prize could be enormous, with the global enzymes market already worth an estimated $11.5bn. It is estimated that as much as 60% of the physical inputs to the global economy today could be produced or substituted using biological means (the bioeconomy). We will increase the adoption of enzymes in manufacturing processes, benefiting from the following sustainability advantages (green chemistry): * Lower emissions * Reduced heating and pressurisation requirements * Reduced waste/steps/chemical usage * Renewable feedstocks * Reduced effluent treatment (biodegradable) We confirmed the excellent potential of our business during the market discovery phase of the BBSRC Innovation to Commercialisation of University Research (ICURe) programme. This project will kickstart a new UK biotech company based in Nottingham, creating high-tech jobs, supporting regional and national supply chain companies, eventually bringing global investment to the East Midlands and revenue from exports to global markets.