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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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Please note: You must be a member of the York & North Yorkshire Bioeconomy Cluster to attend (registration is free and available here)

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Conference programme

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• 9:45 Arrival: Coffee, tea and connections

• 10:20 Welcome and introduction

  • Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice Chancellor and President, University of York

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

  • The York and North Yorkshire Bioeconomy: Jennifer Wood, Chair of the York and North Yorkshire Business Board

• 10:50 Foundations for a regional Bioeconomy Cluster

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

• 11:15 Flash presentations: Meet York and North Yorkshire's bioeconomy companies

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

• 12:30 Lunch and networking

• 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 Corbett, Director, Biorenewables Development Centre

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

  • Session Chair: Tracey Taylor-Preston, Sector Manager, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority 

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

  • Christine Parry, Product Innovation Expert, Asterra, AB Agri 

  • Azotic Technologies Ltd

• 15:20 Break and networking 

• 16:00 Panel discussion: Future proofing the bioeconomy, the skills and knowledge gaps

  • Session Chair – Amanda Selvaratnam, Director of Business Development and Knowledge Exchange, York St John University​

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

  • Prof. Gavin Thomas, University of York

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

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

• 16:45 Closing remarks: Call to action for the York and North Yorkshire bioeconomy

  • ​Steve Bagshaw, Chair of the York and North Yorkshire Bioeconomy Cluster

• 17:00 Networking

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How to join us

​To register to attend, please complete the form below and we will confirm your place within four weeks of registration. You must be a member of the York and North Yorkshire Bioeconomy Cluster. Joining the cluster is simple and free, just complete the online form here. If you have any questions, contact Dr Caroline Calvert, Bioeconomy Cluster Manager by email at bioeconomy-cluster@york.ac.uk

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Take to the stage

We are offering businesses the opportunity to present a 5-minute flash talk. If this is something you'd like to be considered for, please indicate this on the registration form by providing a short summary of what you would like to present.

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Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities

Additionally, we have a small number of exhibition stands and sponsorship opportunities. With this being our first conference, these will be offered at a subsidised rate starting at £250.00 and are on a first-come-first-served basis. If you are interested, please contact us by email at bioeconomy-cluster@york.ac.uk