Our Vision
BioYorkshire will deliver a bold new green agenda to create jobs, boost the regional economy - and develop sustainable solutions for some of the UK’s most pressing environmental challenges.
​
Led by the University of York, Biorenewables Development Centre, Askham Bryan College and Fera Science, the project will harness scientific expertise to develop bio-based supplies of fuel, chemicals and materials. It will also work with the region’s farmers and agricultural industries to drive innovation while enabling more productive and sustainable crop production and land use.
​
The project will also support York and North Yorkshire's ambitions to become one of the first regions in the UK to be carbon negative.
BioYorkshire and the bioeconomy play an important role in the realisation of the local growth plan and its potential to positively impact on the transformation of agricultural practices and the defossilisation of industry, these will have national and international applications.
Aviva
BioYorkshire's Ambition
In the first phase of development, we are seeking capital investment for assets that will complement the existing regional bioeconomy ecosystem to support growth across all stages of development: from early discovery research to product development and testing, and market ready solutions.
These new facilities require a total investment of £62.5m and would return an economic impact of £215m.
As the diagram indicates these new facilities are complementary to the existing bioeconomy infrastructure and enables an holistic ecosystem, covering the full range of technology readiness levels (TRL).
Global Bioeconomy Institute
Located on the University of York campus, the Global Bioeconomy Institute is new infrastructure to support multi-disciplinary research at TRL 1-4 which will create a collaborative environment to break down disciplinary silos, fostering collaboration across associated research areas such as bio-based product development, bio-remediation, waste valorisation, green chemistry, and sustainable food systems.
​
The new Institute will offer an enhanced, cross-functional platform for industry, enabling companies to access a broad spectrum of expertise, technology and instruments, explore new research opportunities, and access new markets with cutting-edge bioeconomy solutions. With a dedicated incubation space, the GBI will support spin-offs and start-ups, creating a pipeline of companies focused on sustainable bioeconomy solutions.
​
The GBI will offer a new Masters degree in the bioeconomy as well post-graduate research degrees.
Sustainability Learning Centre (SLC) and Living Farm Lab
Based at Askham Bryan College, the SLC and Living Lab serve as the bioeconomy’s skills and training nucleus, providing digitally enabled, flexible learning and field teaching facilities, as well as a conferencing space. Through technical skill development, hands-on training, and agritech field trials, they will address the critical shortages in digital and technical competencies vital to agritech and sustainable food production. These facilities will ensure a steady talent pipeline, supplying the bioeconomy with industry-ready graduates prepared to work in the food and farming sector, as well as with advancements at institutions like BDC and Fera. The Living Lab will function as a testbed for agritech innovations, bridging academic research and practical applications.
​