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CPI and BRIC sign Letter of Intent to strengthen UK-India biomanufacturing collaboration 

A group photo of the signing of the Letter of Intent.
A group photo of the signing of the Letter of Intent.

The five-year framework will support joint work to translate biotechnology research into scalable biomanufacturing solutions, subject to mutual agreement and funding.  

CPI and India's Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to establish a strategic UK-India Biomanufacturing Partnership.

The partnership will strengthen collaboration between two nations with ambitious plans to accelerate biotechnology innovation, scale-up and commercialisation. It's the latest step in a campaign to deepen UK-India collaboration in critical and emerging technologies, supporting ambitions set out under the UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI). The development follows a CPI-led UK delegation of 20 high-potential biomanufacturing and pharmaceutical SMEs to India in early 2026 which positioned the UK as a partner of choice for global collaboration. 

CPI and India's BRIC have signed a Letter of Intent.

CPI and India's BRIC have signed a Letter of Intent.

Signing the LoI demonstrates growing momentum and a shared ambition to deploy biotechnology innovation to address global health, societal and environmental challenges. It also outlines a commitment to explore harmonisation of regulatory approaches, support technology transfer and promote sustainable growth through biomanufacturing.   

Frank Millar, Chief Executive Officer at CPI, said:

"Biotechnologies will continue to play a vital role in addressing some of the world's most pressing health, environmental and industrial challenges. By bringing together the complementary strengths of CPI and BRIC, we have an opportunity to accelerate the translation of scientific innovation into real-world impact.  

"India and the UK share a strong ambition to build resilient bioeconomies and strengthen pathways from discovery through to commercialisation. This partnership creates a framework for deeper collaboration between researchers, innovators, businesses and investors, helping to unlock new opportunities for both nations while supporting the development and adoption of transformative biotechnologies."  

Frank Millar

Chief Executive Officer, CPI

The agreement establishes the foundation for a long-term strategic relationship between CPI and BRIC, supported through joint governance arrangements and the exploration of co-invested programmes and projects in priority areas of shared interest.   

Speaking about the agreement which has been finalised during the first North East Trade Mission to India, North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, said: 

“I’m leading a delegation of amazing North East-based companies to establish new links with India and bring opportunities home. 

“This announcement is great news – the North East is at the forefront of cutting-edge advanced manufacturing including biomanufacturing and CPI is continuing to lead the way. This is great news for the region and I hope this will lead to a lasting relationships between Indian and North East businesses.” 

Kim McGuinness

North East Mayor

The collaboration will focus on identifying and accelerating high-potential innovations across biotherapeutics including vaccines and industrial biotechnology. It will also explore opportunities to strengthen scale-up pathways, support commercialisation, build skills and talent, facilitate knowledge exchange, and encourage collaboration between research organisations, industry, start-ups and SMEs in both countries.   

Working together, the organisations aim to strengthen innovation ecosystems in both countries, support the growth of biotechnology businesses, and create new opportunities to deliver economic, societal and environmental impact through biomanufacturing. 


Annual Review 2026

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