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• Tuesday 13 October, 10:00 - 17:30, Guildhall, York

• Free to attend - lunch and refreshments provided

• Spaces are limited and by registration only

 

The York and North Yorkshire Bioeconomy Conference brings together researchers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and educators for a full day of insight, collaboration, and connection.

 

The bioeconomy is one of the most significant economic opportunities the UK has right now. York and North Yorkshire is well placed to be at the centre of it, attracting investment and high quality jobs to the region. Held at the historic Guildhall, the conference is your opportunity to hear what's happening right now in this space, have open conversations about the challenges, and make connections that move the conversation forward.​ 

 

The day will feature world-class research highlights from the University of York alongside an industry showcase of bioeconomy companies—large and small—focused on delivering sustainable business practices. Talks will reflect the Cluster's special focus areas, including engaging communities in anaerobic digestion and scaling the UK's bioeconomy, and there will be an opportunity for regional businesses to offer flash talks: rapid-fire introductions to the varied work happening across the area. It will also include a panel discussion on bioeconomy skills, bringing together voices from the Universities of York, Askham Bryan College, and a range of bioeconomy sectors.

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Conference programme

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• 9:45 Arrival: Coffee, and Connections

• 10:30 Welcome address​

  • Professor Sarah Thompson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Research, University of York 

• 10:40 Foundations for a regional Bioeconomy Cluster

  • Professor Ian Graham, FRS Bioeconomy Cluster Director, University of York

• 11:15 Flash presentations: Bioeconomy Opportunities, Services and Collaborations

  • Session Chair: Dr Adrian Higson, Director, Alder BioInsights​

  • Brilliant science needs real markets: how to stop guessing in the bioeconomy: Richard Johnson, Bright Rhino Innovation

  • ReYorkshire - a York & North Yorkshire programme to support reuse and materials sharing: Gilli Hobbs, Reusefully Ltd

  • The Cosmetics Cluster UK: Carmen Martinez Lerga, Cosmetics Cluster UK

  • Integrating nature-based solutions with renewable energy for decarbonisation: Lloyd Glanville, BACB Renewables Ltd

  • Yorkshire biomass as the key ingredient of novel growing media formulations: James Bean, Crystal Heart Salad Company

  • Safe anaerobic digestion – understanding hazards, managing risk: Sergio Blanco-Rosete, Cobalt Energy

  • Turning AD electricity and CO₂ into a new farm income stream – the multi-gas micro hub: Edward Blackwell, Milford Farm Energy

  • Pilot scale without the pilot plant: open-access bioprocessing scale-up at FlexBIO: Caroline Kewney, IBioIC

  • Scaling-up – how CPI can help to scale and commercialise your bio-based products and your business: Jenny Readman, CPI

  • New sustainable and cost effective biostimulants derived from biomass: Scott Treadwell, SixRing Inc

  • EvoCarbon, valorising waste carbon into critical chemicals by enabling a new generation of green solvents: Armando Leal Puente, Eutechtics

• 12:30 Lunch and networking

With thanks to our core sponsors, CPI and York Central for their sponsorship of lunchtime refreshments

• 13:30 Case studies from the Bioeconomy Cluster’s Sub Groups

  • Session Chair: Professor Avtar Matharu, University of York

  • Effective community engagement - how to avoid a tick box exercise and instead create an opportunity | Sue Jefferson, Co-founder & Chair of Circular Malton & Norton CIC

  • Scaling the UK bioeconomy - have we got what it takes? | Dr Mark Gronnow, Process Development Unit Lead, Biorenewables Development Centre

• 14:20 Industry showcase: the bioeconomy for a sustainable, planet positive future​

  • Session Chair: Susan Brench, Director, Akemi Associates Ltd

  • Sustainable business = good business. Is this still true in 2026? | Sarah Davidson, Technology Development Lead, Croda Europe Ltd 

  • ABAgri's contribution to UK biorefining | Christine Parry, Product Innovation Expert, Asterra, AB Agri 

  • Profitable sustainability: the role of biological nitrogen fixation in modern crop production | Dr Adriana Botes, R&D Director and Rob Henry, Marketing Officer, Azotic Technologies Ltd

• 15:20 Break and networking 

• 15:50 Panel discussion: Future proofing the bioeconomy, the skills and knowledge gap​

  • ​Session Chair: Graham Ramsbottom, Partner and Head of Nature-Based Climate Solutions, Greensphere Capital LLP​​

  • Dr Jillian Barlow, University of York and Director of GenerationResearch

  • Dr Aoife Dillon, Chief Innovation Officer, Fera

  • Dr Sam Hoste, CEO and Founder, Quantech Solutions Ltd

  • Prof. Gavin Thomas, University of York

  • ​​Dr Tim Whitaker, CEO and Principal, Askham Bryan College

• 16:35 Forward look

  • Session Chair: Prof. Ian Graham, Bioeconomy Cluster Director, University of York

  • Dr Edward Twiddy, York Central -York Central: A unique opportunity for the region's bioeconomy cluster

  • Steve Bagshaw, Chair of the York and North Yorkshire Bioeconomy Cluster - Call to action for the York and North Yorkshire bioeconomy

• 17:05 Close

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Registration is now closed 

​Registration is now closed. Please email bioeconomy-cluster@york.ac.uk with the subject Conference Waiting List and we will get back to you, if a space becomes available.

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