Integrated RNAbox™ prototype demonstrated
Continuous RNA synthesis, purification and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation demonstrated in a compact, automated platform.
Projects, funding & support
A staged programme for RNA manufacturing innovation.
RNA Forge advances defined RNAbox™ and service-development projects through innovation funding, strategic collaboration and investment aligned to practical technical milestones.
Development roadmap
RNAbox™ Development Roadmap
From integrated prototype to GMP-ready deployment.
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2023–2026 Prove -
2024–2027 Optimise Advanced RNAbox™ technologies developed
Process optimisation, analytics, soft sensors, recycling and digital control advanced across the platform.
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2027 Validate Next-generation RNAbox™ validated
Integrated manufacturing runs, comparability and stability studies demonstrate high-level platform performance.
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2027–2028 GMP-ready GMP-compatible platform developed
GMP-aligned design, single-use components, supply-chain strategy and deployment documentation established.
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2028–2029 Deploy External GMP validation and commercial readiness
Technology transfer, engineering verification and end-user deployment strategy prepared for commercial rollout.
Funders & programmes
Technology development programmes and company support.
From core platform innovation to company scaling, our work is backed by leading research funders, translation partners and enterprise programmes.
RNAbox™ research programmes
University-led technology development programmes
Research programme
Innovate UK
SBRI: Vaccine development for potential epidemic diseases, UK Vaccine Network
Automated and digitalised RNA process-in-a-box for rapid outbreak-response RNA vaccine and therapeutic development and manufacturing.
£2 million award
1 October 2023 – 31 March 2026
Research programme
Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)
Innovations to Prepare for Future Epidemics and Pandemics
Proof-of-concept research for RNAbox™ as an automated continuous closed RNA platform for rapid outbreak-response vaccine development and manufacturing.
£3.7 million award (US$4.8 million)
1 October 2024 – 30 September 2027
RNA Forge funding & support
Spinout and company-building support
Spinout & translation
University of Sheffield
- Spinout formation and foundational intellectual property licensing
- Pre-seed translation funding through the Commercialisation Journey
- Dedicated founder training, mentorship and commercial validation
Mentorship & spinout support
Northern Triangle Talent Project and Mentor Network
- £35K Management Grant supporting founder leadership time and spinout preparation
- Dedicated commercial mentorship through tailored matching with two experienced mentors
- Innovation Sprint providing intensive mentor engagement, commercial challenge and pitch refinement
Life-science accelerator
NG Studios powered by KQ Labs
- £200K acceleration funding and venture building
- Commercial validation and corporate strategy development
- Dedicated mentor connectivity and investor readiness support
Founder transition
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
- £35K Impact Acceleration Account Management Grant
- Enabled the transition of a spinout founder from an academic role to full-time company leadership
- Accelerated company formation, spinout and development
Leadership development
Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellowship
- Enterprise Fellowship awarded to Dr Emma Welbourne, COO
- Up to £80K equity-free funding and executive leadership coaching
- Mentorship and access to the Royal Academy of Engineering network
Investors & collaborators
Partnerships for RNA manufacturing innovation.
RNA Forge welcomes conversations with RNA therapeutic product developers, investors, technology providers, biomanufacturing organisations and research collaborators.
Potential discussions may cover service delivery, workflow evaluation, pilot deployment, technical collaboration and company development.
Contact RNA Forge