Join the Bioeconomy in South Korea!

Are you ready to expand your innovative business and explore new horizons? South Korea aims to become a global leader in the bioeconomy by 2035, driving growth through advanced biotechnology, digital innovaiton, and sustainability. This creates exciting opportunities for UK engineering biology companies to engage with one of Asia’s most dynamic markets.

The UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is excited to announce this Engineering Biology Trade Mission to South Korea in March 2026.

We Need You! 

The UK Government defines engineering biology as the design, scaling and commercialisation of biology-derived products and services that can transform sectors or produce existing products more sustainably. It draws on the tools of synthetic biology to create the next wave of innovation in the bioeconomy.

We are seeking UK engineering biology companies developing innovative solutions for agriculture and food, including:

• Precision fermentation for alternative proteins and functional ingredients.
• Biomanufacturing of sustainable food additives and bio-based packaging.
• Cellular agriculture, including cultured meat and dairy alternatives.
• Food safety and traceability solutions using bioinformatics and biosensors.

Alternatively, are you an engineering biology company that has applications in the following areas of the engineering biology value chain? 

• Nucleotide and protein synthesis: This includes the synthesis of genetic vectors (such as RNA, DNA, plasmids) and proteins.
• Nucleotide sequencing: This includes the sequencing of RNA and DNA, as well as diagnostic platforms for metagenomics.
• Automation and robotics: Robotics can be used in all laboratories, including biomedical and engineering biology, to automate large parts of the work of researchers and companies. In this context robots are used to physically manipulate items, ranging from simple hand tools to entirely autonomous laboratories, including cloud labs. 
• Bioinformatics, data, AI, and supercomputing: Bioinformatics and omics in engineering biology is the processing, storing, and analysing of biological data using computational tools and statistical methods to interpret large datasets generated by omics technologies. It can be roughly split into data, software (including AI), and hardware (including supercomputing).
• Analytical tools: Techniques, methods and instruments for analysing and understanding the behaviour and functionality of biological systems, particularly those that have been engineered or modified.
• Biological materials, reagents, and feedstocks: This includes unprocessed primary commodities, processed primary commodities, processed intermediate commodities, enzymes, and chemicals necessary for all engineering biology operations.

Your company should be:

• Active in one or ore of these areas (i.e. engineering biology value chain area, or applications in agriculture and food).
• Ready for commercial engagement (with realistic prospects of generating revenue in South Korea within 1-3 years).
• Export-ready (products/services suitable for overseas markets).

Why South Korea?

• Rapidly growing bioeconomy: South Korea is investing heavily in biotechnology and bio-based industries, aiming to become a global hub for bioinnovation.
• Government commitment: The Korean government’s Bio Economy 2.0 Strategy focuses on advanced biomanufacturing, healthcare innovation, and green technologies, creating strong commercial opportunities.
• Investment in green biology and fermentation-based solutions: South Korea is prioritising sustainable biomanufacturing, including fermentation-driven production of bio-based chemicals, materials, and food ingredients, as part of its push toward a low-carbon, circular bioeconomy.
• Innovation ecosystem: South Korea is a tech powerhouse with world-class infrastructure, high R&D intensity, and openness to international collaboration.
• Corporate champions: Home to major players like Samsung Biologics, SK Biopharmaceuticals, and LG Chem, South Korea offers strong industrial partnerships and global reach.
• Gateway to Asia: South Korea’s strategic position provides access to broader Asian markets.

Why a DBT trade mission?

Relationship-building is key to success in South Korea. Our team, alongside embassy staff with deep market insight, will deliver a tailored programme focused on commercial outcomes—connecting UK companies with Korean buyers, partners, and investors.

What to expect?

The agenda is currently being finalised and will depend on the delegates recruited. The trade mission will take place over one week across South Korea’s engineering biology ecosystem. Activities may include:

• Pre-mission and in-market briefings.
• Curated networking opportunities with Korean stakeholders.
• Pitching sessions to potential buyers and partners.
• Participation in a roundtable discussion between UK and Korean government, industry, and academic stakeholders to identify and address market access barriers and barriers to commercialisation for engineering biology companies.

Register your interest by 21st December at 23:59 GMT on this link. 

You can see other open funded opportunities in our Funding Finder.