uFraction8 secures £3.4 million investment to advance sustainable bioprocessing technology

Scottish biotech engineering company uFraction8 has secured £3.4 million (US$4.3 million) in new investment following a funding round led by the Foresight Group. The Falkirk-based company, which also operates a subsidiary in Poland, develops microfiltration technology designed to improve the scalability and sustainability of cell and biomass production. The technology offers an energy-efficient alternative to traditional bioprocessing methods used in food, feed, and bio-based product manufacturing.

The investment round included contributions from University of Edinburgh’s venture investment fund, Old College Capital, as well as Scottish Enterprise, Alwyn Capital, Thia Ventures, and a grant from the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development. The funding will support the further commercialization of uFraction8’s technology, originally developed at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Engineering.

The company’s technology is positioned to impact key markets, including microalgae and biopharmaceuticals, which are projected to reach US$3 billion and over US$30 billion by 2030, respectively. With this investment, uFraction8 aims to refine its microfiltration solutions, helping to enhance production efficiency and reduce costs for industries that rely on cell and biomass processing.

Dr Monika Tomecka, Founder and CEO of uFraction8, emphasized the importance of the investment in driving the company’s next phase of growth. “We’re thrilled to have secured this significant investment, which will propel us forward. The support from our investors underscores the potential of our innovative technology. These funds will enable us to bring our solutions to market more rapidly, particularly in the microalgae and bio-separation sectors within biopharma, while continuing to innovate within the alternative protein space.”

The company, which currently employs seven people across its operations in Scotland and Poland, previously secured £2.5 million (US$3.2 million) in a 2022 investment round led by Thia Ventures. uFraction8’s microfiltration platform is designed to provide more efficient and scalable manufacturing options for bio-based industries by improving fluid separation processes. This approach enhances the recovery and purification of valuable biological materials, reducing the environmental footprint associated with conventional bioprocessing techniques.

Senior Investment Manager at Foresight, Rubina Singh, highlighted the broader impact of the company’s work. “We are delighted to be supporting Monika and the uFraction8 team in bringing this breakthrough technology to market. At Foresight, we’re committed to supporting pioneering technologies for a sustainable future. uFraction8’s advancements in continuous bioprocessing present transformative opportunities across multiple industries, and we are excited to help the company achieve further impact.”

Scottish Enterprise has also been a long-term supporter of uFraction8, recognizing its potential to contribute to the country’s biotech industry. Kerry Sharp, Director of Entrepreneurship and Investment at Scottish Enterprise, commented: “Scottish Enterprise has supported uFraction8’s ambition over several years as it develops and commercializes its highly innovative technology. The biotech industry presents a significant growth opportunity for Scotland, and companies like uFraction8 can play a key role in transforming our economy by scaling up, creating high-value jobs, and competing internationally.”