Industrial biotechnology is a term that refers to the use of enzymes and microorganisms to produce chemicals, materials and energy. Biotechnology also has industrial applications in, for example, the pulp and paper, foodstuff, feedstuff, textile and pharmaceutical industries. A characteristic of biotechnology is that the processes can provide a high yield of a specific product while using little energy and creating relatively little waste.
The focus of research in several fields is turning to micro- and nanobiotechnology, in which the boundaries with research disciplines such as electronics and IT are being erased.
The aim of the VINNOVA programme Industrial Biotechnology is to stimulate research and development and the implementation of industrial biotechnology in various sectors in order to promote more environment-friendly processes linked to economic growth.
A call for proposals has been issued in 2007.
Mats Jarekrans is in charge of the programme at VINNOVA.
