BiofuelAI, an artificial intelligence startup incubated at the University of Surrey, has been awarded £100,000 as one of ten finalists in the prestigious Manchester Prize. The funding will support the development of its innovative AI platform, which aims to significantly boost the efficiency and sustainability of the UK’s biofuel sector.

Over the next ten months, BiofuelAI will compete for the Manchester Prize’s £1 million grand award by advancing its AI-driven software, designed to accelerate the UK’s journey to a Net Zero energy system.

“It’s exciting to be creating AI tools that directly increase the supply of UK green energy and reduce carbon emissions,” said Dr Michael Short, lead researcher and founder of BiofuelAI. “With over 750 biogas plants operating across the UK, there’s enormous untapped potential. Our AI solutions can help these facilities produce more clean energy from the same inputs—securely, sustainably, and intelligently.”

Traditional biogas production depends heavily on human intuition, due to the complexity and variability of biological inputs. BiofuelAI transforms this process by using machine learning —sophisticated models that simulate and optimise daily operations in real time. From adjusting feedstock recipes to forecasting long-term production, BiofuelAI’s platform enables operators to make data-driven decisions that increase energy yield, reduce emissions, and improve profitability.

“Our team at Surrey has become a world leader in biogas digitalisation research over the past three years,” added Dr Short. “We’ve shown the value of machine learning in managing complex energy systems. BiofuelAI represents the next step—a powerful, scalable platform for delivering measurable impact in the bioenergy sector.”

BiofuelAI will initially focus on the UK biogas market, where its research work indicates production could increase by 10–20% using AI. Biomethane, a key component of biogas, can replace fossil gas in the national grid or be used to generate electricity, supporting national energy security and decarbonisation goals.

BiofuelAI is supported by the University of Surrey and has received previous funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Supergen Bioenergy Hub. The project is part of the UK’s growing drive to integrate artificial intelligence into climate solutions and sustainable technologies.

Dr Short and his team would like to thank the industrial support they have received from Future Biogas, Engie, ALPS Ecoscience, Nephin Renewables, SLR Consulting and Siemens in understanding the challenges of the biogas industry and the opportunity for AI and machine learning to contribute across the entire value chain.

The Manchester Prize, delivered by Challenge Works and funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), is a major UK initiative to support AI solutions that address critical societal challenges. BiofuelAI is one of just ten teams selected nationwide to receive initial funding and support, and to compete for the £1 million grand prize in 2025.

Learn more about the finalists and the Manchester Prize…