BioIndustrial Cluster North (BICN)
York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority, Tees Valley Combined Authority, the University of York and Teesside University have announced the formation of the BioIndustrial Cluster North (BICN).
The cluster will seek to attract public and private sector investment to unlock new opportunities for clean growth, high-value employment, and global investment, positioning the regions at the forefront of the UK’s transition to a low-carbon, circular economy.
Vision
Our vision is to establish the UK as a global leader in the industrial bioeconomy by harnessing the combined strengths and assets of Tees Valley and York and North Yorkshire.
Together, we aim to create a pioneering bioeconomy that transforms our shared regional assets - world-class research institutions, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and deep-rooted chemical and agritech industries - into a dynamic engine of innovation and sustainable, bio-industrial growth.
This joint initiative will unlock new opportunities for clean growth, high-value employment, and global investment, positioning our regions at the forefront of the UK’s transition to a low-carbon, circular economy.
By aligning scientific excellence with industrial scale-up, we will catalyse the UK’s transition to bio-industrial advanced manufacturing in sustainable materials and chemicals – delivering national and global impact for the UK.
The Bio Industrial North Cluster has the potential to:
High quality green jobs created
People equipped with future-ready skills
Grow the regional bioeconomy
Innovative bio-based start-ups launched
The Opportunity
- The York & North Yorkshire and Tees Valley Bio-Industrial cluster offers a unique opportunity to transform trail-blazing research into commercial success. The cluster is underpinned by world-class research and development capabilities.
- The shared regional infrastructure supports a truly circular economy, with advanced end-of-life technologies such as anaerobic digestion, in-vessel composting, carbon capture and storage (CCS), advanced plastics recycling, and energy-from-waste facilities.
- Industrial Infrastructure at a number of key investment sites, including Wilton International, provides a unique opportunity for rapid industrial transformation.
- Teesside is also home to CPI, one of the leading parts of the UK’s Catapult network.
- A thriving SME ecosystem, supported by large anchor corporates like Croda and bp, provides fertile ground for innovation.
Pictured L to R: Steve Bagshaw CBE - Non-Executive Director at CPI, Toby Reid - Executive Director at Pioneer Group, Mayor Ben Houchen, Chris McDonald MP, Mayor David Skaith, Professor Sarah Thompson – Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) at University of York, Frank Millar - Chief Executive at CPI.
Latest Updates
14.11.25 - North Yorkshire and Tees Valley Combined Authorities build bio cluster
13.11.25 -David Skaith and Ben Houchen announce bio-industrial cluster partnership to drive 5,000 new jobs