Surrey Spinout BiofuelAI Wins £1M Manchester Prize for AI Innovation in Clean Energy

A University of Surrey spinout based at Surrey Research Park has secured the UK’s flagship Manchester Prize. The award recognises its AI technology that improves renewable gas production and reduces emissions.

BiofuelAI, a spinout from the University of Surrey, has been awarded the £1 million Manchester Prize. This national award celebrates breakthrough artificial intelligence innovations that deliver real-world impact. The company’s platform uses advanced modelling and machine learning to help biogas operators increase renewable energy output. It also reduces operating costs and carbon emissions.

Transforming Biogas Production with AI

Biogas production converts organic waste into energy. However, operators traditionally manage it through manual processes and experience. This limits efficiency and makes optimisation difficult.

BiofuelAI addresses this challenge by providing real-time insight and predictive guidance. As a result, operators can make more informed decisions. Early deployments of the platform have already demonstrated strong results. These include increased revenue and profitability, alongside a significant reduction in emissions.

Industry Recognition and Leadership Perspective

Commenting on the award, Alan Beesley, CEO and co-founder of BiofuelAI, said: “The biogas industry is one of the least data-driven sectors in energy. Plants that generate the heat and power for thousands of homes are still largely managed through spreadsheets and operator experience. BiofuelAI changes that. Winning the Manchester Prize validates the work of an exceptional team and accelerates our mission to make green energy more affordable, more consistent and more accessible.”

Science Minister Lord Vallance added: “The technology BioFuelAI has built could supercharge our mission to power Britain with clean, affordable energy, helping green energy plants produce even more power and cut carbon emissions. And they are just getting started.”

From University Research to Scale-Up Growth

The company originated from research at the University of Surrey. It quickly transitioned into SETsquared Surrey, where it received six months of funded business support. This helped accelerate its early development.

Since then, BiofuelAI has continued to build momentum within the Surrey Research Park ecosystem. It has maintained a strong connection to SETsquared Surrey while scaling its technology and commercial activity.

The company is now preparing to move into its own dedicated space within the Surrey Technology Centre. This next step reflects its continued growth. It also highlights the strength of Surrey Research Park as an environment where spinouts can grow from inception through to scale.

BiofuelAI highlights the impact of the incubator programme clearly: “SETsquared Surrey has been key to BiofuelAI’s development, providing a mix of 1-2-1 support, education, networking, and superb office space managed by a committed team.”

Driving the Future of Clean Energy

The Manchester Prize is delivered by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. It highlights AI solutions with the potential to create significant societal and economic benefit.

BiofuelAI’s success reflects the growing role of advanced data and modelling technologies in energy systems. Crucially, it demonstrates how AI can support the transition to cleaner, more efficient, and more resilient energy production.