Engineering biology is a major strength for the UK, but turning world-leading research into economic value depends on the ability to scale. In this episode of People in Innovation, our host Steve Bagshaw, Chair of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, is joined by Dan Wallis, Production Operations Manager at Azotic, and Alex Smith, Director of Biotechnology at CPI, to explore why bridging the gap between discovery and deployment is essential to ensure UK innovation translates into jobs, companies and supply chains.

Using Azotic’s natural nitrogen‑fixation technology as a case study, the conversation explores how collaboration with CPI helped move the technology from lab‑scale to commercial readiness, enabling real-world impact in sustainable agriculture.

We also look at the role of CPI and the wider High Value Manufacturing Catapult network in providing critical scale-up infrastructure, and why funding gaps and limited access remain major barriers for SMEs in the UK’s engineering biology sector.

Join this exciting discussion on the possibilities ahead and the steps we must take to get there.

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About this podcast:

People in Innovation: A CPI podcast explores the extraordinary and impactful stories behind innovation. From groundbreaking discoveries to the challenges behind the breakthroughs, we shine a light on the people driving change to create a better future for people, places, and our planet.

CPI is a leading independent technology innovation organisation, helping companies and partners take innovative ideas from concept to market entry. As part of the Innovate UK Catapult Network, we work across MedTech, sustainable materials, pharmaceuticals, and agrifood to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges.

With a unique perspective at the heart of innovation, we’re bringing you the stories that matter, direct from the people making change happen. Join us as we uncover the human side of innovation—because behind every bright idea, there’s a story worth telling.

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LinkedIn – / uk-cpi

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About CPI:

CPI connects the dots within the innovation ecosystem to make great ideas and inventions a reality to benefit people, places and our planet. We’re a pioneering social enterprise that accelerates the development, scale-up and commercialisation of deep tech and sustainable manufacturing solutions. Through our incredible innovation experts and infrastructure, we look beyond the obvious to transform healthcare and drive towards a sustainable future.

As a trusted partner of industry, academia, government, and the investment community, we’re the catalyst for delivering smart AgriFoodTech, energy storage, HealthTech, materials, and pharma innovations. We believe by working together we can build a better collective future, and as part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, we facilitate access to world-class organisations to deliver transformation across industries.

Creating lasting global impact from the North of England and Scotland, we invest in people and disruptive technologies to invigorate economies, create circular supply chains and make our world a better place.

Let's innovate together: https://www.uk-cpi.com

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