Yorkshire and The Humber Health, Biotech & Nutrition R&D Companies Directory

Crop Health and Protection (CHAP) is a UK-based innovation centre that acts as a catalyst for the agricultural technology sector, facilitating collaborative R&D between industry, academia, and farmers. They focus on accelerating the development and adoption of sustainable farming solutions, including precision agriculture, bio-protection, and controlled environment systems. Their work bridges the gap between fundamental research and commercial application to address food security, net zero targets, and resource efficiency in the UK food supply chain.

CIELIVESTOCK (Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock) operates a UK agri-tech centre coordinating collaborative R&D across the livestock supply chain, focusing on animal health, genetics, diagnostics, nutrition, and sustainability. The company facilitates consortia of academic, industry, and farming partners to address challenges in productivity, disease management, and environmental impact, evolving from broad centre operations to targeted projects in epigenomics, methane reduction, and precision farming.

The University of Leeds is a leading UK research institution that drives innovation across diverse sectors including energy, healthcare, food science, and infrastructure. Through extensive collaborative R&D, the university bridges the gap between fundamental academic research and industrial application, focusing on sustainability, circular economy principles, and advanced manufacturing. Their work has evolved from foundational scientific studies to complex, multi-stakeholder projects that address national and global challenges such as decarbonisation, food security, and regulatory reform.

The Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC) is a specialised Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) based in Yorkshire that bridges the gap between academic research and industrial application in the bioeconomy. They provide technical expertise, pilot-scale facilities, and process development services to help companies convert agricultural residues and waste streams into high-value bio-based products, materials, and chemicals. Their work consistently focuses on scaling sustainable bioprocesses to support the transition to a circular, net-zero economy.

Atlas Endoscopy develops AI and robotic solutions for colonoscopy, aiming to improve early detection of colorectal diseases and reduce patient pain. Their technology evolved from a colon mapping algorithm to a magnetic robotic single-use colonoscope system (REN platform), targeting increased screening accessibility and reduced missed lesions.

Lunac is a micro/small biotech company specialising in the discovery and development of first-in-class small molecule anticoagulants. Their lead programme targets activated Factor XII (FXIIa) to provide effective clot prevention without the bleeding risks associated with current therapies. The company has progressed from initial preclinical candidate development through to securing continuity funding, demonstrating a focused translational R&D trajectory.

Rinri Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing a first-in-class stem cell therapy, Rincell-1, to regenerate inner ear nerve cells for treating hearing loss. Their work spans preclinical development, clinical trial preparation, and biomanufacturing process innovation, collaborating with academic and industrial partners including Cell Therapy Catapult, Plasticell, Sterling Bio Machines, and the University of Nottingham. The company's grant history shows progression from fundamental research and preclinical work to scaling manufacturing with a perfusion bioreactor.

Precision Decisions is a precision agriculture company based in Yorkshire, specialising in using satellite Earth observation, autonomous systems, and AI to help farmers optimise crop management, reduce inputs, and increase yields. Their work has evolved from developing tools for field variability assessment and feasibility studies to leading large-scale projects like Hands Free Farm, which aims to create fully autonomous farming systems. They have collaborated extensively with research institutions and industry partners across multiple Innovate UK grants.

RAFT Solutions is a specialist agricultural technology company focused on developing diagnostic tools and precision livestock farming solutions for the UK cattle and sheep industries. Their work spans reproduction diagnostics, rumen health monitoring, parasite detection, and semen quality testing, with an increasing emphasis on data-driven herd management and sustainability metrics. The company has evolved from feasibility studies in dairy diagnostics to commercialising integrated testing platforms and collaborating with supply chain partners like Morrisons and Cool Farm Alliance.

Crucible Therapeutics is a micro/small biotechnology company based in Yorkshire developing a gene therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Their approach targets RNA nuclear export to reduce toxic protein production in nerve cells, aiming to halt or reverse disease progression in up to 97% of ALS patients. The company builds on foundational research from the University of Sheffield and is currently in the applied R&D stage.

eXyo Design is a UK-based medical device SME specialising in fall prevention technologies for elderly and stroke populations. The company develops sensorised rehabilitation aids with remote monitoring and gamified therapy, aiming to reduce NHS costs and improve patient outcomes. Their work has evolved from an initial walking aid innovation voucher to the development of the Smart Balance Active device for stroke rehabilitation.

AgriSound is a UK agritech company that develops low-cost bioacoustic monitoring systems to track insect pollinators and biodiversity in agricultural environments. Their technology uses acoustic sensors and AI to provide real-time data on pollinator activity, helping farmers improve crop yields and sustainability. Over their grant history, they have evolved from piloting pollinator monitoring devices to creating integrated biodiversity metrics platforms and carbon insetting verification systems.

Oviva develops digitally enabled behaviour change programmes for type 2 diabetes, delivered remotely via dietitian coaching and a smartphone app. Their work has evolved from supporting self-management through IoT-enabled tools to pioneering low-calorie diet programmes for diabetes remission, including in insulin-dependent patients. They collaborate extensively with NHS bodies and universities to validate and deploy their interventions.

Mesenbio is a biotechnology company developing extracellular vesicle (EV) biotherapeutics from engineered human mesenchymal stem cells. Their lead candidate targets refractory Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, aiming to overcome consistency, efficacy, and scale-up challenges inherent in EV therapies.

JRI Orthopaedics is a UK-based MedTech company specialising in the design, manufacture, and commercialisation of orthopaedic implants and regenerative medicine solutions. Their work focuses on advancing joint replacement technology through the integration of additive manufacturing, bioactive glass coatings, and minimally invasive surgical delivery systems. The company has evolved from traditional implant manufacturing to pioneering arthroscopic regenerative therapies for osteoarthritis.

Fera is a national research and technology organisation specialising in agri-tech, environmental science, and food safety. They provide expert analytical services, diagnostic development, and collaborative research to improve agricultural productivity, sustainability, and supply chain resilience. Their work has evolved from precision orchard management to complex cross-sector initiatives involving insect bioconversion and natural capital land-use strategies.

Evolutor is a biotechnology company that uses its proprietary Accelerated Evolution Platform (AEP) to engineer microbes for sustainable biomanufacturing. They develop microbial chassis and production processes for antimicrobial biomaterials, alternative proteins, textile dyes, and biosurfactants, aiming to displace fossil-fuel-based manufacturing. Their work spans healthcare, food, materials, and cosmetics, with a focus on decarbonisation and circular economy.

AgAnalyst is a precision agriculture data analytics company based in Yorkshire, specialising in using remote sensing, machine learning, and soil/crop data integration to optimise nitrogen use efficiency and reduce chemical fertiliser inputs. Their work has evolved from developing field data collection apps to creating ML-powered platforms that support sustainable farming practices and net-zero transition.

DeFENition is a micro biotechnology company based in Yorkshire, specialising in the discovery of novel antibiotics that target bacterial flap endonucleases (FENs) to combat antimicrobial resistance. The company has progressed from a feasibility study identifying FEN inhibitors to developing lead molecules specifically against antimicrobial-resistant gonorrhoea. Its work addresses a critical global health need for new classes of antibiotics acting via novel biological pathways.

ICMEA-UK is an engineering company that specialises in scaling up novel processes, particularly pyrolysis and laser-based technologies, for applications in clean energy, dental restoration, and advanced materials. They collaborate extensively with academic and industrial partners to develop and demonstrate technologies from feasibility to prototype.