Resources
SynbiCITE has resources available to all our partners
Education and training
SynbiCITE runs a number of innovation educational programmes throughout the year. These programmes (Lean LaunchPad for Synthetic Biology and the 4-day MBA) have been specifically designed for would-be entrepreneurs looking to start their own companies in synthetic biology. Training in Lean LaunchPad methodology, including evidence-based entrepreneurship, customer discovery and building a business model canvas, equip the prospective entrepreneur with the groundwork for building a sustainable business. Complementing this programme, the 4-day MBA course provides the basic information for writing a business plan and marshaling the resources to start a company.
Funding opportunities
SynbiCITE has funding available to accelerate and enhance innovation in synthetic biology that meets clear selection criteria and can demonstrate significant commercial potential. Support for innovation at different stages of translation is provided through Proof of Concept (PoC) and Development of Prototype (DoP) awards.
Laboratory facilities
Currently located at the Imperial College London Incubator, the state-of-the-art facilities at SynbiCITE house all the necessary equipment to explore the commercial potential of synthetic biology. These labs allow researchers and companies to rapidly evaluate new ideas and designs, collecting robust data to advance engineering biology technology, thereby removing much of the risk and uncertainty in the process. SynbiCITE is staffed with a team of highly experienced scientists to help our partners manage their research projects from concepts to commercialisation.
The London DNA Foundry
SynbiCITE is home to the London DNA Foundry.
Funded by the RCUK ‘The London DNA Foundry’ is at the core of SynbiCITE’s facilities hub, providing a suite of state-of-the-art robotic equipment supplying automated end-to-end design, construction and validation of large gene constructs. The London DNA Foundry is specifically designed to support the commercialisation of synthetic biology allowing SynbiCITE’s partners to prototype new biologically based chemicals, drugs and materials.
In-Lab training
People with the correct skills are key to the successful adoption of synthetic biology by industry. We recognise that this future – and that of the new industry we are creating – depends on providing people with the right skillset to translate their ideas. SynbiCITE is therefore committed to sharing new approaches and discoveries in synthetic biology with its partners by providing scientific workshops and technical training on all the equipment and platforms in the London DNA Foundry.