iDMT Secures Innovate UK Funding to Accelerate Biopolymer Innovation
We’re delighted to announce that iDMT has been awarded a 2025 Engineering Biology SPARK Award from Innovate UK to advance machine learning tools for predicting the solubility of bio-based polymers.
The project, led by iDMT Director Professor Alexei Lapkin in collaboration with Green Rose Chemistry, aims to overcome one of the biggest bottlenecks in developing sustainable polymer alternatives to petrochemical plastics: slow and costly solubility testing.
The project focuses on the development of novel synthetic biology tools and technologies, specifically a machine learning (ML)–driven method to predict how renewable, bio-based polymers dissolve and interact with solvents. These materials offer a critical sustainable alternative to petrochemical plastics, but their development has been slowed by the limitations of current solubility testing methods, which are often slow, costly, and poorly suited to the diversity of bio-based systems.
By generating a targeted experimental dataset, the project will adapt an existing ML model to address the unique challenges of bio-based polymers. The outcome will include:
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a biopolymer solubility dataset
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a validated model prototype
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an initial industry engagement plan
Together, these outputs will lay the foundation for a future full-scale prediction platform and SaaS tool. The work will support faster screening and evaluation of novel sustainable materials, directly advancing the SME partner’s commercial goal of reducing development time and costs for bio-based products.
This project aligns with UK priorities in engineering biology and low-carbon innovation, and forms part of the Engineering Biology Innovation Network, led by Innovate UK Business Connect in collaboration with Innovate UK and UKRI’s Technology Mission Fund. The network’s mission is to drive innovation, foster new consortia, and accelerate commercial applications of engineering biology.
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Read the full article on the URKI website for more information.
Professor Alexei Lapkin, Director, iDMT
“This award will allow us to take a significant step towards scalable solutions that will help industry reduce reliance on fossil resources and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. We’re very excited to see the project begin to take shape.”
