A new agreement between regional authorities, universities and an innovation centre aims to accelerate the North’s bio-based economy and position it as a major hub for low-carbon manufacturing.
York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, Tees Valley Combined Authority, the University of York, Teesside University, and CPI have formed a partnership that targets 5,000 skilled jobs and £5bn of economic growth across both regions. The programme will support 100 new bio-based businesses and provide training for 5,000 people through sector-focused apprenticeships and skills initiatives.
The collaboration is designed to strengthen the UK’s shift towards bio-based materials and chemicals, with research from the University of York forming a key foundation. The sector is gaining momentum as manufacturers seek viable alternatives to fossil-derived chemicals and decarbonise supply chains.
Teesside University has positioned itself as a core contributor to that transition. Professor Stephen Cummings, Teesside University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this partnership and look forward to using and sharing our expertise to help continue to drive innovation, advance research, and help to develop the skilled workforce needed to meet future challenges.”
Partners expect the initiative to attract global investors seeking sustainable technologies and to broaden the industrial base of the North by advancing applications in healthcare, agriculture, cosmetics, and water management. Recent projects linked to the University of York include work on alternative materials, improved medicine performance, higher-yield food production and the replacement of non-sustainable cosmetic ingredients. The research feeds into the wider BioYorkshire programme, which focuses on regional economic growth through green innovation.
Further work includes a project with Yorkshire Water to analyse how microorganisms behave in wastewater treatment systems. The research aims to improve anaerobic digestion and develop technologies that recover valuable resources from wastewater, strengthening the region’s capabilities in environmental engineering.
