Biotechnology Hub

University of Kent

BioTechnology Hub

University of Kent

The Biotechnology Hub applies high-tech approaches to production and processing of high-value foods and plant-based compounds from plant material and waste, pathogen identification and control, and maintenance of healthy soil.

£215k

of SIPF funding invested with more than £55,000 of further

in-kind funding.

Businesses received 12+ hours of support through the Growing Kent & Medway ecosystem.

Areas of expertise with dedicated research facilities, including Cell Imaging and NMR.

Facilities and Capabilities

Access world-class imaging and biomolecular labs designed to help biotechnology businesses de-risk innovation through hands-on technical support.

Cell Image Analysis

Investigation of plant cell structures and functions in standard or stressed environments.

Biomolecular Science

High-performance mass specrometry for interrogating plant biochemistry.

NMR Facility

In-depth metabolomics analysis to refine cultivation and monitor crop product quality.

Biosensor Development

Specialist software and equipment to design, prototype, and test innovative sensor ranges.

Key Expertise

Our research team provides technical support and R&D across the entire product lifecycle, with specific specialisms in:

Pathogen Control

Identifying and controlling crop diseases using high-tech molecular approaches.

Sustainable Packaging

Developing environmentally-friendly packaging options and recyclable novel punnets.

Compound Extraction

Producing high-value fragrance, flavour, and nutrients from plant material.

Soil Microbiome

Investigating soil fertility and the role of biochar in increasing crop productivity.

Biocontrols & Breeding

Improving plant growth using genetic markers for disease resistance.

Case Studies

Discover how our specialist research and biotechnology expertise have helped Kent-based businesses develop more sustainable products and production systems.

Man (Richard Small) in sunglasses and cap smiling outdoors, wearing a green jacket. Background of trees and cloudy sky suggests a cheerful nature setting.

Turning Food Waste into Sustainable Insect Frass Fertiliser with Inspro

Inspro, supported by Growing Kent & Medway, successfully demonstrated a circular solution for organic waste using Black Soldier Fly larvae. By converting waste streams into nutrient-rich "frass", the project validated a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilisers that boosts soil health and microbial diversity.

Growing Kent & Medway

4 min read

A close-up of a mound of dark, granular biochar with a rough texture. The setting is blurred, emphasizing the coarse, black material.

Transforming Farm Waste into Carbon-Locking Biochar with Re-generation Earth

Re-generation Earth, in collaboration with the University of Kent, utilised one of our large R&D grant programmes to establish an on-farm "Living Lab" for biochar production. The project demonstrated that while biochar is most effective as a nutrient carrier rather than a standalone fertiliser, it offers significant potential for long-term carbon sequestration and soil health improvement.

Growing Kent & Medway

4 min read

University of Kent

Explore the University of Kent’s specialist facilities for plant-based research and sustainable innovation. Access detailed information on their biotechnology equipment and services on the official university website.

Visit University of Kent

Other Research Facilities

Discover the specialist facilities and technical expertise available across the Growing Kent & Medway innovation cluster.

Agri-Engineering Hub

The Industrial Agri-Engineering Hub at Canterbury Christ Church University provides world-class facilities and R&D to transform the UK food sector. It offers expert support in agri-engineering, automation, and advanced manufacturing to help businesses scale.