Microbiome
The Microbiome Innovation Network (formerly SIG) aims to accelerate the commercialisation of microbiome-based products and services in the UK and create a vibrant community by connecting industry and academia.

Microorganisms are the most abundant living things on earth and are found in every living environment, including the inside of the human body. The relationship between microorganisms, their host and the environment is the subject of intensive research as it holds the promise of providing vital solutions for some of society’s biggest challenges including chronic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and agricultural productivity.
The aims of the KTN Microbiome Innovation Network are to develop a proactive, self-sustaining microbiome community in the UK to raise the visibility of the UK’s world leading microbiome science and enable translation of this science to the benefit of the academic institutions, start-ups, SMEs, larger established companies that operate here and to society at large. The scope of this Innovation Network covers all microbiomes, especially those connected to human health & wellbeing, animal health & nutrition and agri-food.
We have also recently launched the Microbiome Strategic Roadmap, which reviews the landscape of microbiome science and innovation within the UK. With this strategic document, we hope to raise the visibility of the UK’s world leading microbiome science and enable translation of this science to benefit academic institutions, start-ups, SMEs and larger established companies.
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Current Microbiome funding opportunities
Innovate UK Smart Grants: July 2022
Opens: 28/07/2022 Closes: 26/10/2022
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £25 million for game-changing and commercially viable R&D innovation that can significantly impact the UK economy. This funding is from Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation.
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Biomedical Catalyst 2022 Round 2: Industry-led R&D
Opens: 15/08/2022 Closes: 12/10/2022
UK registered SMEs can apply for a share of up to £25 million to develop innovative solutions to health and healthcare challenges.
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iX Challenge: Healthy Ageing Innovation Accelerator Competition
Opens: 27/06/2022 Closes: 25/08/2022
The Innovation Exchange Program is working alongside Oxford Innovation Advice and the UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA) to find innovative companies who are ambitious to grow their business. We seek innovators with new product or service ideas that can support us to stay…
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Microbiome Innovation Network: Current academic research and its impact
Are you a PhD student or an undergraduate interested in the field of microbiome? This event is for you!
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Related News

09/11/2021
Life in Earth: Soil microbes are key to achieving net zero
The KTN Microbiome team, Eagle Genomics and CABI take a deep dive into the role of soil microbes when it comes to net zero.
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26/07/2021
Opportunities in Horizon Europe - Microbiome
An overview of Microbiome related Call Topics and UK Participation in the Horizon Europe Framework Programme. KTN’s Dr Jane Watkins talks about what opportunities there are for Microbiome, what you need to do to apply, and where to find them.
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Programmes related to Microbiome

Microbiome Landscape
Connecting the UK’s growing microbiome community to raise the visibility of the UK’s world leading microbiome science and enable its translation to benefit academic institutions, start-ups, SMEs and larger established companies.