Bioincubator project begins in York
Posted on 5 October 2001
Based on York Science Park on the University of York campus, the new Bioincubator is an exceptional opportunity for bioscience businesses to locate at the heart of the University of York's world-class scientific and technological expertise.
The Bioincubator is a joint venture between the University of York, York Science Park Ltd, P&O Developments, York Science Park (Innovation Centre) Ltd and supported by Yorkshire Forward. Biotechnology is a fast-growing sector of the economy, and new companies are emerging all the time, many of them spin-offs from university research laboratories. These companies need critical support in their early years, and 'bioincubators' are designed to provide that support.
Yorkshire Forward has identified biosciences as one of its key clusters which will provide growth and jobs within the economy. Its £2 million investment in the Bioincubator forms part of this approach.
York has established an international reputation for bioscience research and development, underpinned by organisations such as the University, Smith & Nephew, DEFRA's Central Science Laboratory and Nestle, which have created a critical mass of over 1,500 bioscientists in the region. York is formally recognised by regional and national government as one of the UK's leading bioscience clusters.
This scientific base is creating a host of biotechnology spin-out companies, which need reliable support mechanisms to ensure their growth and success. The Bioincubator is specially designed to offer this support, including project management, financial, patenting and legal advice. Innovative biotechnology projects which appear commercially viable will be promoted through the Bioincubator by its specialist services for start-up companies.
Yorkshire Forward Chairman Graham Hall said: "This project will be the catalyst for further business growth in Yorkshire and Humber specifically for the bioscience community. Yorkshire Forward's objective is to double the rate of business start-ups by 2010 and the Bioincubator will contribute to the achievement of this target, increasing the skills and expertise within the region, whilst building on the concordat we have signed with the region's universities."
York's Bioincubator will comprise nearly 3,000 square metres of fully flexible laboratory and office space. Facilities will include up-to-date telecommunications and computer links. Office services and general business and management support will also be available.
The Bioincubator is linked to and managed by York's successful Innovation Centre. All the Innovation Centre facilities are available to Bioincubator tenants. In addition to a prestigious location and first-class facilities, the Bioincubator offers biotechnology businesses the opportunity to interact with each other on a personal and business level in a creative environment.
Managing Director Susanne Walker is handling business enquiries about the Bioincubator and potential tenants are welcome to contact her at the Innovation Centre on 01904 435100 or email inov2@york.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
- The interior design of the Bioincubator is completely flexible allowing tenants to tailor their laboratories according to their own needs. Laboratory space is sited on the first and second floors and specifications regarding finishes and environmental control are in full compliance with current ACDP Cat 2 guidelines.
- Facilities for a typical 20-man ACDP Cat 2 standard floor module could include an independent ACDP Cat 2 Tissue Culture Laboratory, an isolated fume cupboard or msc area, an isolated area for high heat gain fridges and freezers, a write-up area, a lab manager's office, a cold room, a dark room and a wash-up area.
- A completely independent ACDP Cat 3 suite of around 250 square metres has been incorporated on one of the laboratory floors. This independent sealed structure provides facilities for fumigation and so on, which conforms to ACDP Cat 3 guidelines.
- Chris Evans has established 20 science-based companies and successfully floated four on the London Stock Exchange. His most successful business was Chiroscience plc, now merged with Celltech, which he started in 1992. He is also known for his venture capital company, Merlin Biosciences, which supplies specialist venture capital and advisory services to the life sciences sector. Chris Evans was knighted in 2001 for services to the biosciences industry.