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• Wednesday 2 December, 10:00 - 16:00, Regatta Suite, Radisson Hotel, York

• Free to attend - lunch and refreshments provided

• Spaces are limited and by registration only

 

The transition from fossil-fuel dependency to a circular bioeconomy is no longer just an
ambition, it is a logistical and technical necessity. To meet increasing feedstock demands,
industry must pivot toward the utilisation of bio-waste and secondary residues as feedstocks.

 

These feedstocks come from a range of sources such as agriculture, food manufacture,
urban/ municipal waste and aquatic resources, and can be transformed into valuable
products like bioplastics, biofuels, textiles, construction materials, and components of
personal care products.

Following on from previous Cluster workshops, we will consider the opportunities the
bioeconomy presents, regulatory matters that are hindering progress and discuss how we
can work together to realise the full potential of the bioeconomy.

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Who should attend?

This workshop aims to bring together Bioeconomy Cluster members to explore opportunities
and challenges, and to enable networking of businesses, researchers and local government.
Workshop delegates are invited to offer short talks – whether you have a challenge or
opportunity to discuss, or simply want to introduce your company, please indicate this on the
registration form.

Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis, so please register as soon as
possible. Workshop registration will close 18 November or earlier if all places are allocated.

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Workshop programme​

• 09:45 Arrival: Coffee, tea and connections

• 10:15 Welcome 

  • Caroline Calvert and Ian Graham, Bioeconomy Cluster 

• 10:25 Waste to Wealth - scene setting

  • Session Chair - Ian Graham, Bioeconomy Cluster Director, University of York​

  • The Bioeconomy:biology, engineered for growth: Jen Vanderhoven, CEO, BBIA

  • Unlocking the regional bioeconomy through smarter regulation: Gail Shuttleworth, Alder BioInsights |

• 11:15 Refreshment break

• 11:25 Making waste to wealth a reality

  • Session Chair - Matt Reilly, Industry Engagement and Impact Fellow, University of York

  • Progress and feedback on the beginning of Staples Vegetables route to fossil fuel free farming: Ben Jobling-Purser, Energy Director, Staples Brothers Ltd

  • Re-imagining Agriculture - using every atom of carbon captured to make food, feed and chemicals: Mike Mason, CEO, Carbonovia

  • Closing the Yorkshire nutrient loop: bone meal char and seaweed biostimulants for resilient agriculture: Peter Hurst, Lead Technologist, Biorenewables Development Centre

• ​​12:25 Flash Presentations: 5-minute snapshots of opportunities, challenges and ideas

  • Session Chair - Tracey Taylor Preston, Sector Manager – Trade & Investment, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

  • Flash presentations - tba

• 13:05 Networking Lunch - hotel dining room 

• 14:00 Discussion session

  • Session Chairs - Caroline Calvert & Ian Graham, Bioeconomy Cluster

• 15:25 Discussion Groups​

  • Creating pathways to tackle key challenges and opportunities
    for the bioeconomy in York and North Yorkshire

  • ​Refreshments will be served during the session​

• 16:00 Meeting closes

 

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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We are also offering businesses the opportunity to give a short 5-minute talk. If you are interested, please supply your talk title in the registration form, under flash presentations​​​.