Dandelion rubber biotech firm in £3.4 million boost

A biotech firm developing rubber from dandelions is eyeing growth after securing £3.4 million support.

QuberTech is set to expand its team and boost research and development.

The Norwich-based operator says the moves will supercharge its work to create sustainable natural rubber from specially engineered dandelions in response to increasing global demand.

Bosses add it will help deliver a “new generation of sustainable biomaterials” to support supply chains across sectors including automotive, defence, healthcare and manufacturing that rely on imported rubber sourced from a narrow tropical growing belt.

The firm has been backed by grant funding and equity investment, and has also received support through Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme alongside Innovate UK.

Dr Ofir Meir, QuberTech chief executive, said: “As pressure grows on global natural rubber supply chains, every country will need to secure more resilient and sustainable access to this critical industrial material.

“This funding enables us to validate our platform at a small pilot scale as we move towards commercial deployment.”

Oliver Sexton, investment director at UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund, added: “Natural rubber keeps the world moving, yet global supply chains remain reliant on imported sources that are vulnerable to disruption.

“QuberTech offers a compelling sustainable alternative.

“By applying engineering biology to cultivate high-yield dandelions in controlled conditions, the company is developing a more resilient, localised and scalable approach to natural rubber production.”

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