Reflections from bioProcessUK 2025: Advancing sustainable medicines manufacturing in the UK

In this guest blog, Hareklea Markides, Innovation Lead - Medicines Manufacturing at Innovate UK, reflects on the UK BioIndustry Association's (BIA) annual #bioProcessUK conference. She highlights the opportunity for Innovate UK to engage with the sector and drive sustainable manufacturing innovation forward, as demonstrated by the Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Programme.

The bioProcessUK annual conference continues to be a vital meeting point for the UK’s bioprocessing and medicines manufacturing community. Each year it brings together organisations committed to improving the way we develop, scale and deliver the next generation of therapies. For Innovate UK, it was an important opportunity to engage with the sector, listen to emerging needs, and strengthen the partnerships that drive sustainable manufacturing innovation forward as demonstrated by the Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Programme (SMMIP).

A recurring theme throughout this year’s discussions was the growing urgency around sustainable medicines manufacturing. Organisations across the sector are looking for practical ways to embed sustainability without compromising quality or speed. These conversations align closely with our work at Innovate UK, where we help innovators navigate the system, connect with the right expertise and adopt approaches that support both performance and environmental responsibility.

The SMMIP, delivered by Innovate UK, aims to drive the development and adoption of sustainable manufacturing solutions within the pharmaceutical sector. The programme supports innovative projects focused on reducing the environmental impact of medicines manufacturing while improving efficiency and scalability. Through funding and collaboration, SMMIP helps advance technologies that enhance the sustainability of processes for producing critical medicines, fostering growth in the sector and contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.

A standout moment at the conference was the Dragons’ Den showcase, where Innovate UK spotlighted five innovators funded through the SMMIP. Among them, EnsiliTech claimed victory with their pitch on Ensilication®, a proprietary platform technology designed to eliminate cold chain dependence for antibodies, vaccines, and other biological products.

In addition to this showcase, three of our Grand Challenges participated in the Innovation Zone, presenting their groundbreaking projects that aim to revolutionize CAR T-cell and peptide manufacturing, as well as redesign medicine packaging. These projects are prime examples of how the latest advancements in science, collaborative efforts, and sustainability can converge to create solutions that not only reduce the environmental impact of the pharmaceutical industry but also have the potential to drive commercial growth. Learn more about the eight Grand Challenges in our brochure.

The insights shared at bioProcessUK underline the scale of opportunity for the UK to lead in sustainable, efficient medicines manufacturing. Whether through improved bioprocess design, smarter use of data or more integrated supply chains, the sector is clearly committed to driving progress. Events like bioProcessUK play an essential role in bringing the community together and ensuring that innovation is grounded in real world needs. We look forward to building on these conversations and supporting the sector as it continues to evolve.

This article is adapted from a piece originally published by Innovate UK Business Connect.