Life science campus creates 120 jobs and sets out further growth plans
The National Agri-Food Innovation Campus in York is looking to attract more life science organisations as part of its five year growth strategy, after last year attracting 120 jobs on site.
The 80-acre site at Sand Hutton attracted several new tenants during 2017, which brought more than 120 jobs to the campus. They included global drug development company Covance and environmental consultants FPCR. Also joining the site were intellectual property specialists Symbiosis IP and end-to-end technology company Trustmarque.
Mologic, market leaders in diagnostic medical devices, protein development and contract research, appointed four new scientists and anchor tenant Fera Science Ltd collaborated on research projects with various tenants, including Birdstrike Management, FPCR and Crop Health and Protection (CHAP). In addition, leading lateral flow testing company, Abingdon Health, increased its manufacturing footprint on the campus by 16%.
Liz Cashon, innovation campus manager at NAFIC, said: “This year has been a game-changer for the campus. We were delighted to welcome Covance, whose arrival brings global pharma expertise to the campus. We also welcomed FPCR, Symbiosis IP and Trustmarque. They have created added impetus to an already evolving community of organisations.
“There have been some fantastic examples of collaboration on the campus, where one tenant becomes a supplier to another. For example, Birdstrike Management uses Fera’s DNA analysis service for species identification, while FPCR is using Fera’s newt antibody eDNA test kit to deliver environmental surveys. This cross-over is exactly what we aim to create and it can only strengthen in 2018.
“We continue to transform the site, investing in energy-efficient infrastructure, upgrading our built space and creating a platform for our tenants to keep pace with the cutting edge of science and business growth. What is good for our tenants is good for us. We are excited to discover who will be next to see the fit between their business and the campus.”
