University of Surrey startup BiofuelAI shortlisted for £1 million Manchester Prize to accelerate UK's green energy transition
A startup from the University of Surrey is one of just ten finalists shortlisted for the Manchester Prize - a UK government-backed award that supports AI solutions for the public good. BiofuelAI now has the chance to win a £1 million grant to advance its AI-driven software, designed to accelerate the UK's transition to a Net Zero energy system.
While traditional biogas production relies heavily on manual processes and human intuition, due to the unpredictable nature of biological inputs, BiofuelAI applies machine learning to optimise operations in real time. The technology can forecast how anaerobic digesters - large, sealed tanks where microbes break down organic waste such as food scraps, manure, and energy crops - will respond to different feedstocks to generate clean energy.
From adjusting feedstock recipes to forecasting long-term gas output, the platform allows plant operators to make data-driven decisions that improve energy yields, cut emissions, and boost profitability.
Dr Michael Short, Associate Professor of Process Systems Engineering at the University of Surrey and Founder of BiofuelAI, said:
"It's incredibly exciting to be developing AI tools that directly support the UK's green energy supply and reduce carbon emissions. With over 750 biogas plants in operation throughout the country, there remains vast untapped potential. Our software could assist these facilities in generating more clean energy from the same inputs - securely, sustainably, and intelligently.
"Over the past three years, our team has shown how machine learning can make complex energy systems more predictable and efficient. BiofuelAI is the next step, offering a scalable, real-world solution that delivers measurable impact for the bioenergy sector."
BiofuelAI will initially target the UK's biogas market, with the project aiming to increase biogas yield by up to 20%. For example, Biomethane, a key component of biogas, can replace fossil gas in the national grid or be used to generate electricity, supporting the UK's energy security and decarbonisation goals.
BiofuelAI has been shaped through close collaboration with leading companies in the sector, including Future Biogas, Engie, ALPS Ecoscience, and Nephin Renewables, some of which will be trialling the software. These partners provided valuable insights into the operational challenges of biogas production, helping the team refine its software.
Dr Hayden Morgan, Head of Bioprocess at Future Biogas, who worked closely with Michael and his team, said:
"As one of the UK's largest biogas producers, Future Biogas is always exploring ways to optimise production, reduce costs, and lower the carbon footprint of clean fuels. The great work from the team at BiofuelAI offers us a level of insight that's only possible through machine learning. It's been a valuable collaboration so far, and we're really excited to take the next steps in integrating this technology into our operations."
BiofuelAI was first supported with funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Supergen Bioenergy Hub as part of the UK's growing drive to integrate artificial intelligence into climate solutions and sustainable technologies.
Having already secured £100,000 as a finalist for the Manchester Prize, BiofuelAI will now enter a ten-month development programme ahead of the £1 million grand prize announcement in spring 2026.
Dr Jim Shaikh, Managing Director of Innovate Surrey, said:
"The University of Surrey aspires to be a world leader in the translation of AI research into real-world impact. It's gratifying to see the work of our faculties being recognised with prizes that, together with the University's support, enable research to translate into applications with real value to UK industry."
