Pre-funded projects
To help overcome your technical barriers, we delivered a range of pre-funded support programmes including European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funding and other business advisory programmes to help Yorkshire’s bioeconomy businesses. This was a unique opportunity for SMEs to access tailored support, worth around 2 days of work (to the value of £2k) to develop innovative products or processes.
Our ERDF funding is coming to an end in June 2023, however our teams are currently exploring other sources of business advisory programme funding. In the meantime view the other ways to work with us or contact us to discuss other options.
Our multidisciplinary team of biologists, chemists and innovation advisors bring an effective blend of specialisms to any project, we have helped over 550 local SMEs de-risk and rapidly commercialise their bio-based innovations.
Offering a full support package, we have a team of innovation advisors who offer market research analysis, regulatory scanning, specialist sector business advice, bid development, commercialisation and project management for those looking to develop their bio-based products or processes further than the lab.
We also support clients to build partnerships or collaborations, develop entrepreneurship skills, offer communication and marketing advice and help access overseas markets for clients wanting to build bio-based supply chains and inward investment.
Our lab facilities and flexible office space are available for short and long-term hire. If you know what you want to do but don’t have the equipment or expertise to do it, then we can look at options for you to spend time alongside our experienced technical teams.
Funding to support project work is from the European Regional Development Fund, part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020, which includes:
- The Bioeconomy Growth Programme (£2.4 million) which includes BDC 4 (Leeds City Region), BDC 4.2 (York, North Yorkshire and East Riding)*
- The Anaerobic Digestion and Circular Economy Yorkshire (£1.2 million), Leeds city region, York and North Yorkshire
- Bio-based Business Park (£1.1 million), Leeds city region, York and North Yorkshire
*This funding is available to those that are located in the Leeds City Region, which covers much of North, West and South Yorkshire. For a map of the eligible regions covered by this funding, visit Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership.
Working with the BDC has been a life-saver: their specialists were quickly able to get to the root of the problem, and reassure us that our production wasn’t compromised. A great team to work with, very approachable, with an effective solution in a very tight timeframe. Highly recommended. Darren Everitt, Managing Director, NibNibs
Of the workshops that stand out for me, it’s the natural ingredients for flavours & fragrances, hosted by Croda and the Introduction to Beekeeping, hosted by Abelo’s Beekeeping Academy. It’s events like these, that really help us expand our network of suppliers and bring in new ideas for product innovation. A great example is the Cosy Cottage beehive! which now supplies honey and beeswax for some of our non-vegan products. Clara Challoner-Walker, founder and owner, Cosy Cottage Soap
Let's work together
We have worked on 1,500 bio-based projects to date
We have several ways to work with us, including business advisory programmes and self-funded commercial options. We even have the option for you to hire our state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and office space.
