Communications advice
We work with bio-based businesses and projects to increase awareness of their products, processes or project.
Entrepreneurial skills development
Accelerating entrepreneurial innovation is at the heart of building a circular bioeconomy. If you are an entrepreneur or a start-up in the bioeconomy, we can help you develop and commercialise your product or process. We develop and deliver specialised business training programmes for bio-based entrepreneurs that include:
- live pitches to a panel of investors with interests in the sector
- individual mentoring sessions with successful business leaders
- peer-to-peer learning and networking with other bio-based companies
- masterclasses from experts in finance, regulation, IP, risk and opportunity
Examples include the Biocamps – week-long intensive training and mentoring – as well as shorter one or two-day courses, such as those we have delivered for the THYME project, N8-agri-food and the High-Value Biorenewables network.
Business Mentorship Programme
We are offering a mentorship programme to businesses located in North Yorkshire, City of York, Redcar and Cleveland who are addressing sustainability or circularity in their products or services.
You and your business can benefit from our mentoring programme in lots of ways:
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Opportunities to acquire new skills and knowledge.
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Guidance and support for business growth.
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Boost confidence and self-esteem.
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Expand your professional network through mentor connections.
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Help navigating challenges, improving decision-making.
Mentoring is a professional relationship where an experienced individual (mentor) guides a less experienced one (mentee). The Biorenewables Development Centre, a subsidiary of the University of York, has a long history of working with groundbreaking researchers, academics and founders who are keen to provide support and inspiration.
You will be matched to a mentor with experience in your field, and they'll provide advice, goals, frameworks and support throughout the programme. You'll also have access to our other mentors and meet other mentees on the programme.
There is no cost associated with the programme. If you have any questions please email Chris Hiscocks.
Desk-based support
Entrepreneurial skills development
If you are an entrepreneur or a start-up in the bioeconomy, we can help you develop and commercialise your product or process.
Laboratory and office access
We have state-of-the-art research and development biorefinery, pilot scale laboratory facilities and flexible office space available for hire.
Market research
We add value through market research activity, new and existing product or customer discovery research.
Overseas markets access
We have been part of several international projects, our expertise range from project management, communication and dissemination support to accessing our research and development knowledge and equipment.
Project management
We have a vast amount of experience in managing national and international projects as well smaller one to one projects for our pre-funded support programmes aimed at regional SMEs.
Regulatory scanning
As part of responsible research and innovation, we actively encourage our academic, industry partners and clients to examine the associated processes, including intellectual property as well as understanding the appropriate regulatory environment.
Valorisation options appraisal
Bio-based materials including various types of waste, can be assessed to determine how they can be used to produce valuable products.
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.
