About York

York has a rich, 2000 year old history, steeped in culture and innovation. In recent times, the development of the city has seen York at the vanguard of confectionery, railway and tourism sectors within competitive international markets.


York’s location in the heart of North Yorkshire has provided an ideal gateway for visitors to experience the breadth and diversity of one of the UK’s leading tourism destinations which attracts over 4 million visitors per annum.

York’s economy is a successful mix of traditional and modern industries. The city's 2005 mid year population estimate was c 186,800. An industrial, commercial and transport centre with major companies and growing businesses in confectionery, construction, engineering, IT, bioscience and scientific sectors. World-leading research facilities also operate in York, attracting students and professionals from all over the world.

Bioscience York

Bioscience York was established in 1995 and over the decade has grown to a network of over 130 organisations throughout York and the surrounding area, including over 80 bioscience businesses as well as research organisations, public bodies and professional services.


Bioscience York aims to support the economic and scientific prosperity of York and the surrounding area by providing business start-up support, advice and guidance on funding opportunities, and promoting infrastructure that enables bioscience enterprises to thrive.


Membership of Bioscience York is FREE and open to all those working in the bioscience, healthcare, and environmental technologies in the region. Members are able to access advice from Science City York, take part in events, and join the Bioscience York on-line business network


The network comprises major international companies, large government agencies, award winning SMEs, as well as spin-outs from the University of York, a large number of start-up businesses, and a core of established, successful small enterprises. Complementary to the strong research base at the University of York, the Hull York Medical School was launched in 2003.


The Bioscience York community is made up of organisations working in core biotechnology, drug discovery, plant genetics, wound healing, medical devices, and bioanalytical equipment. The healthcare and environmental areas of the biosciences are developing rapidly. In the cluster there are more than 85 bioscience organisations, which together employ more than 3 800 people. 45 of these companies are based in York, and there is also significant activity in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Malton, Ripon, Skipton, Thirsk and business growth throughout North Yorkshire.

Regular scientific and technical events are held throughout the year, with the aim of bringing the community together to share ideas, hear about new projects, and showcase current work.

Promoting Innovation and Creativity
Science City York is successfully driving the creation and growth of business and employment opportunities across York and North Yorkshire within three fast-growing technology sectors – bioscience, creative industries, and IT & digital.


We are building a prosperous future for York and North Yorkshire as an internationally-recognised centre of excellence for research, innovation and enterprise by:

•Attracting, developing and supporting technology-based businesses to the area


•Working with partners in education and industry to develop and retain a workforce with the knowledge and skills to match employment opportunities and industry needs


•Promoting partnerships between industry and other bodies to create the infrastructure that meets the needs of the new economy


•Promoting public understanding of science and technology to ensure everyone understands its importance in their daily lives


The bid to reposition York & North Yorkshire as hub for R&D and enterprise in new technologies began in earnest in the mid 1990s, with Science City York a central supporter of economic regeneration.

The Science City York initiative was launched in 1998 as a unique working partnership led by the University of York, City of York Council, with the support and involvement of key private sector representatives and subsequent funding from Yorkshire Forward.

Initially focussed on driving forward York’s economy, by 2001, three years into its five year plan, Science City York had achieved its original target of creating 1600 new jobs, attracting 27 new inward investors to the City and assisting in the creation of 25 technology-based businesses. Reported figures now stand at 99 new technology-based businesses and 2800 jobs.

2004 - 2009 Science City York’s remit was extended to promoting business and employment opportunities spanning key technology sectors across North Yorkshire, offering fully-funded business support to technology ventures; sector-specific networks; specialist skills initiatives; alongside the wider promotion of science and technology across communities.

In 2008 Science City York became a company limited by guarantee, with the University of York and City of York Council remaining actively involved as major stakeholders.