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About Science City York

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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.  

Click here for a selection of case studiesfeaturing a selection businesses we have previously worked with to help demonstrate the breadth of activity across technology sectors in York and North Yorkshire.

Download a copy of our newsletter SCY News to keep updated on the latest developments at Science City York and discover more about the range of businesses we advise and support.

Science City York currently provides a range of services to assist in the creation and growth of technology-based businesses:

Science City York is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, no. 6139121. Registered office: Harrowell Shaftoe, Moorgate House, Clifton Moor, York YO30 4WY.

The company is funded by the University of York and City of York Council with additional support from Yorkshire Forward (the Regional Development Agency for Yorkshire and the Humber).

Science City York's Customer Charter provides an overview of our approach to quality and encapsulates the standards of service clients and members can expect from us. Please click here to download a copy of our Customer Charter.