Overview

This webinar will give insight into the process of translation and commercialisation of early-stage research into biobased chemical production, all the way through to ktonne scale manufacturing. Holiferm’s journey from The University of Manchester spin out to biosurfactant manufacturer will be told, with perspectives on UK biomanufacturing, the innovation ecosystem, the need for collaboration and skills development at several levels and the role of our biochemical engineering community in bringing sustainable, biobased molecules to market.

Speaker

James Winterburn, Reader in Chemical Engineering, The University of Manchester

James joined the Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science as a lecturer in 2013, was promoted to senior lecturer in 2018 and to reader in 2021. His current research interests are focused around industrial biotechnology, fermentation processes and the efficient production and separation of bio-based products, including biosurfactants and biopolymers.

James is the Academic Lead for Business Engagement and Innovation for the School of Engineering and Programme Director for the MEng with industrial experience degree programme. James is a co-founder of Holfierm Limited, spun-out from his research group in 2018. Holiferm are commercialising biosurfactant production technology and produce sophorolipid biosurfactants at ktonne scale. Prior to his lectureship, James worked as a post-doctoral research associate in the Multiphase Processing Group on an EPSRC funded challenging engineering project.

James obtained a PhD in the area of biosurfactant production and separation from The University of Manchester in 2011, supervised by Dr Peter Martin and funded by EPSRC and Unilever, following which he was awarded a six month EPSRC Doctoral Prize. He graduated with a MEng in Engineering Science from the University of Oxford in 2007.

The material presented at this event has not been peer-reviewed. Any opinions are the presenter's own and do not necessarily represent those of IChemE or the Biochemical Engineering SIG. The information is given in good faith but without any liability on the part of IChemE.

Webinar recording