Askham Bryan College backs new Bioeconomy Cluster driving sustainable growth in York and North Yorkshire

As a leading partner in the BioYorkshire programme, Askham Bryan College is proud to support the launch of the new York and North Yorkshire Bioeconomy Cluster,  a major step in positioning our region at the forefront of the UK’s green, bio-based economy.

The Cluster brings together businesses, researchers, education providers and policymakers to accelerate innovation in areas that are core to what we do at Askham Bryan: agriculture, agritech, bio-based products, sustainable food systems and land management.

Building on BioYorkshire – with Askham Bryan at its heart

BioYorkshire is a long-term public–private partnership led by the University of York, the Biorenewables Development Centre, Fera Science and Askham Bryan College. Together, we’re working to transform the UK’s bioeconomy, creating new skills, jobs and technologies that support a net-zero future.

The launch of the Bioeconomy Cluster builds on this foundation, creating a connected, place-based network that links the region’s scientific strengths with real-world applications on farms, in businesses and across supply chains. For our students and staff, it means even more opportunities to collaborate on live projects, applied research and innovation with industry.

A region with real bioeconomy strength

York and North Yorkshire already punches well above its weight in the bioeconomy, with:

• Over 10% of the UK’s bioeconomy workforce based here
• More than 7,000 businesses active across the sector
• A concentration of bioeconomy jobs more than twice the national average, and job growth running at roughly double the UK rate between 2015 and 2021 BioYorkshire

The Cluster, funded by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Mayoral Business Innovation Fund, is designed to harness that strength – making it easier for organisations to connect, collaborate and grow. BioYorkshire+1

What the Cluster offers and why it matters to our community

Membership of the York and North Yorkshire Bioeconomy Cluster is free, and open to businesses, academics, local government and investors who want to help shape a cleaner, greener economy. Members can access: BioYorkshire

• Networking and knowledge-sharing across the region’s bioeconomy community
• Targeted support for start-ups and scaling businesses
• Specialist sub-groups focused on areas such as product and process development, anaerobic digestion and biomass supply chains
• A Bioeconomy Leadership Forum to champion the region at senior level and on the national stage

For Askham Bryan College, this aligns directly with our mission as a specialist land-based college: preparing the next generation of farmers, technologists, animal scientists and environmental managers with the skills to lead this transition. Our students will graduate into a region that is actively investing in the kinds of green, high-skilled careers they aspire to.

Join us in growing the region’s green economy

As an established BioYorkshire partner, we’re excited to see the Bioeconomy Cluster formally launched and would encourage our industry partners, alumni and wider community to get involved.

To find out more about the York and North Yorkshire Bioeconomy Cluster and how to register as a member, visit the BioYorkshire website.