Improving gut health through scientifically validated products such as ió Gut Health Drinks (formerly ió fibrewater).

“Interface has been a true catalyst in our journey. Their support helped us secure a pivotal academic partnership that not only validated our product but also opened doors to further studies and global growth. The credibility gained through these collaborations has directly led to investment, award recognition, and market expansion. For any company looking to scale through innovation and evidence, Interface is a game-changer.”

Alyssa Reid, Co-founder, The Prebiotic Company Ltd

Advancement of Product and Technology

Since the successful Asda launch in March 2024, ió fibrewater has evolved into the broader ió Gut Health Drinks brand. The rebrand better reflects the comprehensive health benefits beyond fibre intake, emphasising gut and overall wellbeing.

Building on this, The Prebiotic Company has:

• Reformulated its drinks to feature cleaner labels and fewer ingredients, ensuring optimal efficacy and transparency.
• Developed ió sachets, launching in early 2026, delivering the same scientifically proven gut health benefits in a convenient, portable, sustainable format.
• Secured international growth opportunities, expanding distribution into the EU and US markets.

The Journey

2022-2023 Initial Collaboration – Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU)

Facilitated by Interface, the collaboration with GCU provided the crucial first step in validating the efficacy of their core product, ió fibrewater, and lay the groundwork for future product development. They sought to understand how ió fibrewater impacted different probiotics. As prebiotics feed beneficial microbes (probiotics), the company needed to know exactly how, and what probiotics responded to the core ió fibrewater recipe which would be crucial for expanding their product range.

The project yielded significant findings, released in November 2022 promoting Food Science, academia and industry collaboration. The findings also bolstered investor interest for The Prebiotic Company and paved the way for further collaborations with academic and healthcare institutions.

This collaboration not only provided funding for research but also enriched the academic portfolios of the researchers involved, providing an interdisciplinary project in the fields of microbiology and prebiotic food science.  Additionally, it provided valuable experience for an undergraduate BSc Food Science student to generate preliminary work as part of their final year research project. 

The collaboration also benefited academia through new laboratory methods, expanded bacterial culture collections, and public engagement in food science outreach. These outcomes continue to support ongoing teaching and research initiatives at GCU.

2024-2025 – University of Roehampton, London

Building on the GCU results, The Prebiotic Company partnered with the University of Roehampton to investigate the broader health implications of ió products, specifically their influence on blood glucose regulation, weight management, mood, and sleep. Early results have strengthened scientific credibility and the findings will be published in 2026.

2026 – University of Roehampton, London

A third academic collaboration will begin in January 2026, again with the University of Roehampton, London, focusing on how ió Gut Health Drinks may help reduce the risk of glucose intolerance and Type 2 diabetes in post-menopausal women. This targeted research further demonstrates the company’s commitment to evidence-based innovation and public health impact.

Impact of Academic Collaboration

The Prebiotic Company’s academic collaborations have become a cornerstone of its success having:

• Validated scientific claims, establishing the credibility of ió products in both retail and healthcare markets.
• Accelerated innovation, guiding new product development such as ió sachets and future healthcare applications.
• Enhanced investor confidence, resulting in sustained funding and global growth.
• Strengthened consumer trust, differentiating the brand in a crowded wellness market.
• Provided mutual benefits for academics and students through real-world research, skills development, and public engagement in Food Science.
• Contributed to winning Scottish EDGE funding and the World Best Drink Innovation Award
• Played a direct role in attracting new investment and securing international distribution agreements.
• Together, these achievements position The Prebiotic Company as a leader in the functional drinks and gut health market.

Interface’s Role

Interface has been instrumental throughout The Prebiotic Company’s innovation journey. From the initial introduction to GCU in 2022 to continued advisory support connecting the company with further academic partners.

 Interface has:

• Facilitated access to expertise and facilities essential for scientific validation.
• Supported the translation of research into commercial outcomes, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
• Enabled multi-institution collaborations that underpin ongoing product development and health research.
• Helped raise the company’s profile within Scotland’s innovation ecosystem, contributing to award recognition and funding success.

Looking Ahead

The personal health journeys of the company’s founders Mohsin Laginaf, Alyssa Reid and Jay Curthan continue to drive their commitment to improving gut health for consumers through innovative products.

The Prebiotic Company continues to expand its product range and research base, driven by its founders’ shared mission to improve gut health and wellbeing through evidence-based innovation. With new studies, product formats, and markets on the horizon, the company is poised for sustained impact, supported by a collaborative model that integrates academic excellence, entrepreneurial drive, and Interface’s facilitative expertise.

Over the course of this two-day conference, participants will meet, talk, and connect with people who are creating and nurturing ecosystems where new and growing businesses can thrive.

Ecosystem Exchange 2025 will discuss and challenge three key areas of ecosystem building:

Ecosystem Builders & the Future of UK Tech

AI powers 85% of today’s innovation, but the UK’s tech future depends on more than AI alone. We’ll explore how to support AI-native startups, update outdated frameworks, and strengthen the wider ecosystem.

Universities as Engines of Innovation

From research labs to venture builders, are universities evolving fast enough? This session looks at how academia can drive talent, policy, and commercial impact while making limited resources go further.

Building a Cohesive National Tech Strategy

Are the UK’s innovation goals fit for reality? This session will compare the national agenda against what’s happening on the ground and explore how to align funding, talent, and governance for long-term success, while keeping an eye internationally.

Speakers shaping the 2025 conversations include:

• Adam French – Partner, Antler – England
• Ana Stewart – Chief Entrepreneur, Scottish Government – Scotland
• Andrea Taylor – CEO, Edinburgh Innovations – Scotland
• Andrew Elphick – Director of Business Clinic & Senior Lecturer, Anglia Ruskin University – England
• Chris Neumann – Associate, Creative Destruction Lab – Canada
• Claire Cockerton – Managing Director, Cockerton & Co – England
• David Herbada – Founding Partner, Fikra Ventures – England
• Dex Hunter-Torrike – Head of Global Communications & Marketing, Google DeepMind – England
• Elizabeth Scott – Chief Executive Director, Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester – England
• Emilio Cuevas – Ecosystem Innovation & Growth Specialist, Innovate UK – England
• Henry Whorwood – Managing Director – Research & Consultancy, Beauhurst – England
• Jane Kennedy – Chief Business Officer, Discovery Park – Scotland
• Jennifer Craw – Chief Executive, Opportunity North East – Scotland
• Jennifer Forbes Iannolo – VP Business Acceleration, CodeBase – Scotland
• Michael Rovatsos – Dean of Research & Innovation, University of Edinburgh – Scotland
• Mike Jackson – Head of Venture Cafe UK, Venture Cafe – England
• Nadine “Noodles” Groves – Co-founder & COO, Natural Velocity – Australia
• Rob Kenedi – Founder, Decelerator with Rob Kenedi – Canada
• Rose Luckin – Founder & CEO, EDUCATE Ventures – England
• Sarita Runeberg – CEO, Maria 01 – Finland
• Siobhan Clarke – Chair, Supercritical – England
• Stephen Brown – Head of Barclays Eagle Labs, Barclays – England

Ecosystem Exchange 2025 is an exclusive event featuring thought-provoking panels, curated networking, and an evening mixer designed to spark new connections and fresh ideas across the UK’s evolving business ecosystem.

Scotland Beyond Net Zero is a new research collective across Scottish Universities whose goals are to encourage and support University members to work with each other and with external partners to address environmental challenges through research, and to showcase sector-wide leadership and expertise on climate and net zero across Scottish higher education.

One of their focus areas this year is food in relation to climate and net zero. How can food systems be made more sustainable and contribute to Scotland’s climate change goals?

Join their two academic theme leads for food, Prof Rachel Norman and Prof Baukje de Roos at a networking event where you can find out more about Scotland Beyond Net Zero and connect with fellow food researchers to shape and address climate research challenges. This event is aimed at researchers from the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University, and Heriot-Watt University.

Louise Arnold of Interface will be attending this event.

The Scottish Research Alliance for Energy, Homes and Livelihoods Annual Event, taking place at Dynamic Earth , Edinburgh on 10th September, will unite local authorities with diverse resources and needs, along with experts from academia, industry, government, and local communities to share knowledge, discuss trends and challenges, and provide networking opportunities. The objective is to inspire, educate, and empower participants to apply this knowledge in future research collaborations to drive success.

Shelly Breckinridge of Interface will be attending this event.

CreativeTech Scotland Gathering takes place on the 20th of June on the University of Edinburgh campus and promises to be an exciting day of cutting edge creative tech keynotes, demos and panels with workshops and a closing reception with live improvised electronic music from Boardgame.

The aim is to bring people together from across the creative and cultural sector in every discipline to meet, connect, share know-how, be inspired by new innovations and be amazed by how we each use creative technology to deliver our services, products and audience experiences.

The Programme will include a range of industry spotlights, hands-on workshops, and a showcase of creative tech demonstrations and lightening talks, with a closing reception and performance in Inspace with networking and refreshments.

The event will be hosted on The University of Edinburgh campus across the Informatics Forum, Inspace Gallery and the Student Enterprise Hub.

Full programme can be found here

Louise Arnold and Howell Davies of Interface will be attending this event.

Scotland’s leading data & AI conference

Known for drawing global thought leaders and innovators, DataFest has become a must-attend event for anyone interested in data, AI, and tech. Now in it’s eighth year, DataFest attracts world-class speakers and provides a unique opportunity to gain insights from experts at the forefront of innovation.

Beyond learning, DataFest offers an unparalleled networking platform, bringing together industry leaders from across sectors and industries to collaborate and drive the future of data and AI.

At DataFest 2025, we’ll explore real-world examples and share actionable insights from experts, helping you understand how AI is transforming industries and how to navigate its challenges.

Interface are exhibiting, we look forward to seeing you there!

Scottish Universities Life Science Alliance (SULSA) is joining Science Entrepreneur Club on March 26th in Edinburgh to launch SEC Scotland!

This collaboration with Science Entrepreneur Club will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and academics to connect, share ideas, and drive innovation in Scotland’s thriving life sciences sector.

Event Schedule:

• 2:30–4:30 PM | Workshop for researchers on developing an entrepreneurial mindset
• 4:30–7:00 PM | Networking Mixer with drinks, nibbles, and inspiring conversations

What to look forward to?

• Professor Ross Tuffee, founder of the Connect-Ed Network and co-author of Scotland’s Entrepreneurial Campus report, will guide researchers in SULSA’s network through key considerations in developing an entrepreneurial mindset and empower you to turn your research into business ideas whether you’re ready to take that plunge now or just wondering what the fuss is all about!
• Following this workshop for researchers (PhD stage upwards), the SEC’s network of entrepreneurs and investors will join for an evening of networking and the official launch of the SEC Scotland Chapter. SULSA and BioAcademic researchers are welcome to join for the workshop and/or the mixer!

🔗 Register on the luma platform to attend:

• PhDs, Postdocs & Academic Researchers
• Investors & Entrepreneurs

The 13th Scottish Fermentation Network Event will take place at the University of Edinburgh Central Campus on 7th April 2025.

Following some refreshments on arrival, a brief update on the network will be given and then an exciting mix of industry and academic presentations from current SFN members. This will be followed by an optional distillery tour and tasting event at Holyrood Distillery.

Agenda

1pm – Registration & refreshments

1.30pm – Welcome talk – Luke Johnston – Senior Upstream Bioprocess Scientist, IBioIC

Session 1
1.40pm – Omics and Biotech. Why bother? – Karl Burgess – Personal Chair of Biological Mass Spectrometry, University of Edinburgh

2pm – Cheaper Than Chicken – Martin Currie – Founder, AMYBO

2.20pm – IP-A: A pint full of intellectual property – Yann Robin – Principal Associate, Marks & Clerk

2.40pm – Sponsor presentation – María Constanza Sadino Riquelme – Senior Process Engineer, Modela

2:50pm – Refreshment break

Session 2
3.10pm – Using Scotland’s spent grains to help solve the global cocoa crisis – Andy Clayton – CEO, Fermtech

3.30pm – Production of biobased molecules to enhance drought tolerance in plants – Josephine Giard – Postdoctoral Researcher, Heriot Watt University

3.45pm – Accelerating R&D: reducing cost improving product recovery with AI Bioprocess Simulation Software – Rafael Boni – Bioprocess Engineer, New Wave Biotech

4pm – Wrap up of main event – Luke Johnston – Senior Upstream Bioprocess Scientist, IBioIC

Main event ends

4.30pm – Whisky tour & tasting (Holyrood Distillery). Note – distillery is a 10 minute walk from 50 George Square venue.

6.15pm – Tasting concludes

Note – tasting will last between 1 hour 15 mins to 1 hour 30 mins.

Food and Drink Federation Scotland’s Reformulation for Health Programme, in partnership with Food Standards Scotland, is hosting their “Celebrating Innovation and Reformulation for Health” event on 12 March at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh. This event is a must-attend for food and drink manufacturers looking to stay ahead of public health needs, regulations, and consumer trends.

The Minister for Public Health, Jenni Minto MSP and the National Chef of Scotland, Gary Maclean, will provide the keynote speeches – sharing insights on the importance of reformulation for Scotland’s population health.

This event is about celebrating the fantastic work of Scotland’s food system in making products healthier and empowering manufacturers to adapt to future pressures. As nothing stays still for long, this event will help the industry navigate health legislation targets and growing consumer trends for health.

Learn from experts such as Food Standards Scotland, The Knowledge Bank, Kantar, The Food and Drink Federation and a range of food manufacturers and ingredient producers as they share their insights on the latest reformulations and innovations that are shaping the future of healthier food.

Whether you’re a food manufacturer, ingredient producer, researcher, student or stakeholder interested in the topic, this event is perfect for anyone looking to stay ahead of the health curve. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to celebrate the advancements that are improving the health of Scotland’s products and people.

Interface will be exhibiting at this event come along and speak to colleagues Louise Arnold and Nicola Brookes.