Rooted in decades of foundational research in biological engineering, C3 was established to translate cutting-edge science into scalable industrial solutions. The challenge wasn’t just scientific innovation — it was commercial transformation: deploying breakthrough biology within economically viable, globally relevant manufacturing systems.
At C3, we believe that building a more sustainable world isn’t about completely reimagining what we make — it’s about revolutionising how we make it. Our technologies are designed to decarbonise existing industries through drop-in bio-based alternatives that work within current infrastructure, delivering real-world impact without compromise.
Today, C3 Biotech is positioned to catalyse the industrialisation of sustainable biomanufacturing. By integrating science, engineering, and strategic partnerships, we are helping create a future where fuels and chemicals are not only cleaner — but cheaper, scalable, and globally accessible.
Nigel Scrutton is the Chief Scientific Officer and Co-founder of C3 Biotech. He leads the company’s scientific strategy at the intersection of chemistry, biology, and engineering. He plays a pivotal role in shaping C3’s technology platform, driving innovation in next-generation biomanufacturing, and guiding the company’s long-term vision and global impact.
Nigel is a Fellow of the Royal Society and has served as Director of the UK Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub, which he founded in 2019. Previously, he was Director of the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (2010–2019), during which time the Institute was awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education (2018–2020) for its national leadership in biotechnology and biomanufacturing.
Nigel also advises the UK Government on the strategic development of biotechnology in both civilian and defence contexts.
Louise oversees all administrative operations, including cash flow management, accounts payable, and day-to-day financial activities.
With over 25 years of experience in the biotechnology sector — including a decade of hands-on laboratory research — Louise brings extensive expertise to the management of research and development initiatives. She has more than 20 years of experience specifically in securing and administering R&D funding.
Louise holds a PhD in Biotechnology and has successfully led multiple research and development projects in biomanufacturing.
Alex is a Senior Scientist at C3, contributing to the company’s fermentation research and development efforts. He brings expertise in small-scale and anaerobic gas fermentation, as well as in the application of continuous fermentation for directed evolution.
His technical skill set includes a range of genetic modification techniques, with particular experience in Type I toxin-antitoxin-based counter-selection systems.
Alex has collaborated with international research teams and was notably involved in the ERA CoBioTech BIOMETCHEM project.
Nadia is a Facility Technician and Administrative Assistant at C3, supporting the day-to-day operation of the laboratory and facilities. She manages procurement and inventory of laboratory supplies, coordinates equipment servicing and contractors, and helps maintain compliance with health and safety procedures.
Nadia holds a BSc in Biology and previously worked at Croda, where she supported R&D activities including microbial fermentation and laboratory operations.
Ryan is a Senior Scientist at C3 Biotech, where he leads process development initiatives spanning feedstock innovation, biomanufacturing, and the integration of biological and chemical platforms. He holds a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, with specialized expertise in organic synthesis, enzymatic transformations, and whole-cell biocatalysis.
Throughout his career, Ryan has concentrated on the synthesis and modification of biomolecules for practical and industrial applications. His prior experience includes work in drug discovery, glycobiology, and bacterial toxin research, conducted within world-renowned research institutions.
Roberto is a Pilot Plant Operator at C3, responsible for feedstock preparation and membrane-based separations. He runs and optimises the hydrolysis and downstream units, and plays a key role in troubleshooting and supporting commissioning trials.
Roberto holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering specialising in membrane science technologies. He previously worked at IBC Advanced Technologies on lithium-extraction pilot plants, gaining experience in process design, membrane-based systems and scale-up technologies.
Daniele is a Senior Scientist at C3, where he leads efforts in scaling up fermentation processes and solving challenges related to circular biomanufacturing. With over a decade of experience in sustainability-driven research and development, he brings deep expertise in fermentation, downstream processing (DSP), and biocatalysis.
Daniele holds a PhD in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, and has contributed to both early-stage sustainability-focused startups and global companies, including his recent work with Croda.
Lucian is a Senior Scientist at C3, specialising in downstream processing and purification of fermentation-derived products. He brings a strong background in organic synthetic chemistry and biocatalysis, with expertise spanning the enzymatic total synthesis of high-value pharmaceuticals and the development of complex macromolecular compounds.
Throughout his career, Lucian has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams across both academic and industrial settings, including partnerships with leading organisations such as GSK and AstraZeneca.
Rory oversees the operations of the C3 laboratory and facility, ensuring smooth day-to-day functioning and regulatory compliance across safety, health, and environmental standards. He also provides logistical and technical support to research staff, enabling efficient execution of R&D activities.
With over seven years of experience in industrial biotechnology, Rory brings deep expertise in engineering biology, fermentation, process development, and laboratory management. He has played a key role in scaling and launching two industrial biotech products that are now commercially available.
Jack is a scientist at C3, working on the downstream purification and chemistries applied to materials generated through fermentation. He brings a background in biocatalysis, with particular focus on the generation of chiral pharmaceutical compounds through biotransformation processes.
Previously, Jack worked in biotechnological drug discovery, contributing to the development of novel antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) for the treatment of solid tumours. He enjoys working within cross-collaborative teams at the forefront of biotechnology and chemistry.
Helen serves as the Principal Scientist at C3, bringing over 20 years of experience in biochemical research. She holds a PhD in Biochemistry, and for the past decade, her work has centered on leveraging synthetic biology for the production of advanced synthetic fuels and monoterpenoid-based biochemicals.
In her current role, Helen leads the development of C3’s pilot-scale fermentation facility and oversees the management of laboratory-based innovation and development projects.
Chromition is a synthetic chemistry company based in Manchester.
C3 Biotech works closely with Chromition to enhance and develop advanced process chemistry platforms, driving innovation through strong technical partnership.
Based in South Manchester, Otto Simon is a process-led engineering and project delivery company with proven expertise in fermentation technologies and thermal/catalytic conversion processes.
Since 2018, C3 has proudly partnered with Otto Simon on a range of successful projects, bringing technical insight and reliable delivery to every stage.
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