Key Takeaways:
- SOLASTA® Bio has officially opened its new 4,000-square-foot facility at the West of Scotland Science Park, marking a key milestone in its transition from university spinout to commercial biotech company.
- The move provides expanded R&D infrastructure, including a dedicated insectary, plant and tissue culture rooms, and new collaborative workspaces for its 26-person team.
- The relocation follows an oversubscribed $14 million Series A round in 2024, led by Forbion, Scottish Enterprise, and Yield Lab Europe.
- The company’s peptide-based bioinsecticides are designed to protect crops while safeguarding pollinators such as bees.
- Supported by the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise, the facility reinforces Scotland’s growing role in biotech innovation and sustainable agriculture.
SOLASTA® Bio Expands Operations with New Facility at West of Scotland Science Park
SOLASTA® Bio, a biotechnology company developing the next generation of green insecticides, has relocated to the Helix Building at the West of Scotland Science Park’s Kelvin Campus. The new headquarters marks a major step in the company’s evolution since spinning out from the University of Glasgow in 2021.
The 4,000-square-foot facility offers custom-built laboratories and offices, including R&D suites, insect rearing rooms, and plant tissue culture areas. These enhancements will enable SOLASTA® Bio to accelerate product development as it advances toward market entry with its peptide-based bioinsecticides — environmentally friendly solutions that target harmful pests while protecting beneficial pollinators.
“Moving into our own dedicated facility is a defining moment for SOLASTA® Bio,” said Shireen Davies, CEO of SOLASTA® Bio. “This space gives us the capacity and capability to advance our R&D programmes and scale our operations as we progress toward commercialisation. Having left our original home at the University of Glasgow, we now have a place that truly reflects our ambition and growth.”
Government and Investor Support for Biotech Growth
The facility was officially opened by Ivan McKee, Scotland’s Minister for Public Finance, alongside representatives from Forbion, Scottish Enterprise, and Yield Lab Europe.
“This move will enhance SOLASTA® Bio’s in-house innovation, supporting the development of new, complex products for international markets and creating new skilled jobs,” said Minister McKee. “It also contributes to Scotland’s global reputation as a destination for biotech excellence.”
Scottish Enterprise provided a £190,000 grant toward adapting the space for laboratory use. “Our multi-faceted support to SOLASTA® Bio — spanning investment, IP strategy, and infrastructure — has been instrumental in accelerating its journey from research to commercialisation,” said Jane Martin, Managing Director of Innovation and Investment at Scottish Enterprise.
SOLASTA® Bio: From Spinout to Commercial Biotech
Since its founding, SOLASTA® Bio has advanced rapidly, achieving several technical and regulatory milestones. Following its $14 million Series A funding round in 2024, the company secured its first patent grants and received a favourable classification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its lead peptide candidates.
The expanded facilities will allow the company to advance its regulatory studies, scale production capabilities, and accelerate commercialization timelines for its peptide-based bioinsecticides.
