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Workshop: From lab bench to industrial reality

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• Thursday 9 April 2026, 10:00 - 16:30

• University of York (location details will be supplied closer to the event)

• Free to attend for Bioeconomy Cluster members - lunch and refreshments provided

• Spaces are limited and by application only (deadline 10 March)

The transition from lab bench to commercial success is often hindered by many technical, regulatory and economic challenges – frequently known as the ‘valley of death’ for bio-startups.  

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This one-day workshop provides knowledge exchange, networking and a discussion forum bringing together industry and academic researchers with scale-up experts to discuss challenges and opportunities.

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Workshop organisers:

• Susan Brench, Akemi Associates

• Dr Caroline Calvert, YNY Bioeconomy Cluster

• Prof Avtar Matharu, Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence, University of York

• Tracey Taylor Preston, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority​

Workshop agenda​

• 9:45 Arrival: Coffee, tea and connections

• 10:20 Welcome and introduction to the sub-group

• 10:30 Knowledge exchange: 15 minute talks from industry experts

  • David Vaughan, Alder BioInsights: An overview of sustainability analysis

  • Debs Rathbone and Mark Gronnow, Biorenewables Development Centre:  Taking
    the first step beyond the lab - case studies in pilot plant scale up

  • Jenny Readman, CPI: Insights into understanding business and process scale-up

  • Malcolm Glendenning, ICMEA: Engineering and other problems​

• 11:50 Flash talks from Cluster members: 5-minute snapshots of opportunities, challenges and ideas around areas such as skills, regulatory matters, investment etc. 

• 12:30 Lunch and networking

• 13:30 Discussion groups on key opportunities and challenges 

• 14:30 Report back and consensus

• 15:15 Break and refreshments

• 15:45 Future sub-group activities

• 16:30 Meeting close

How to apply

​To apply, please complete the form below.

The deadline for applications is 10 March 2026. However, we reserve the right to close applications sooner depending on demand. 

Places are limited - we aim to have a diverse group of participants from industry and academia, as well as other bioeconomy stakeholders. Spaces will be allocated on this basis. If we cannot immediately offer you a place, we will add you to a waiting list and allocate spaces as they become available. 

If you have any questions or need further information, contact Dr Caroline Calvert, Bioeconomy Cluster Manager by email at bioeconomy-cluster@york.ac.uk​​