The bioeconomy cannot succeed without the feedstocks that fuel all our fermentors. From agricultural side-streams to algae to carbon pollution, synbio companies need to ensure they utilize renewable feedstocks instead of purpose-grown inputs that take essential land and, at scale, may drive deforestation. How can we address this critical issue as a community? What role do other innovations such as AI, sensors, and continuous fermentation play in accelerating sustainable scaling and what changes do we need to make today for the bioeconomy of tomorrow?

Transitioning synthetic biology innovations from the lab to commercial scale requires strategic investment, robust infrastructure, and cross-sector collaboration. This session explores the financial and operational challenges of scaling the bioeconomy in the UK and Europe, highlighting key funding mechanisms, investor perspectives, and case studies of successful scale-ups. Join this session to understand the investment landscape, technology readiness, and market adoption and hear insights for startups and stakeholders looking to bridge the gap between research and commercialization.

With a 4.5 billion year head start, it’s no surprise that nature has honed its systems to perfection. But what if we could take these systems to the next level and harness them for the modern age? SynBio holds the key to unlocking the next level of these natural systems. By leveraging advancement in biotechnology, we can enhance natural systems and accelerate our transition to a green future.

Described as the most destructive material on earth, the concrete industry is responsible for 8% of total carbon dioxide emissions worldwide. As the second most used material only after water, we are in dire need for greener concrete solutions.

This track delves into the dynamic interplay between cultural values and technological innovation, exploring how cultural needs, beliefs, and creative practices actively shape the development and adoption of new technologies. Key topics include the influence of art and storytelling on user-centric design, the role of tradition in tech adaptation across global markets, and the emergence of technologies that foster cultural preservation and social resilience. This track is essential for understanding technology not as an isolated driver of change but as an adaptive force deeply rooted in human experience and societal values.