The Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) has reached a new milestone: it now has 400 members. The latest member is Fevvers, a company that makes vegan, cruelty-free feathers. Scotland’s bioeconomy is growing fast; IBioIC welcomed 100 new members this year, nine months after reaching 300 members in February.
IBioIC connects industry, universities, and government. Its goal is to bring biotech products to markets. The network helps businesses with scaling up, training, and funding. It helps turn ideas into real products.
Fevvers is the 400th member. It was founded in 2025 by Nicola Woollon and James West. The company created a plant-based feather alternative. Soon after launching, Fevvers was shown on the Stella McCartney runway in Paris. It also won ‘Best Luxury Moment’ at the PETA Vegan Fashion Awards in 2025.
Many fashion brands want sustainable, vegan alternatives to natural feathers. But biotech companies face challenges in making enough products. By joining IBioIC, Fevvers gained access to Scotland’s top scientists and labs, improving their product and working with fashion brands.
James West, co-founder of Fevvers, said: “IBioIC was priceless. We aren’t scientists, so it was hard to explain what we needed. We launched at Paris before understanding how to reach everyone. IBioIC helped us connect with scientists and get expert advice.”
Since 2014, IBioIC has helped grow Scotland’s biotech sector. It has secured £35 million for research and development. Its members include big companies like Diageo, Unilever, and Scottish Water.
