​

Workshop: From lab bench to industrial reality

​​

• 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.  

​

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.

​

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

 

Applications for this workshop are now closed. If you haven't applied and would like to attend, please contact Dr Caroline Calvert, Bioeconomy Cluster Manager by email at bioeconomy-cluster@york.ac.uk​​