Bangor University got approval for funding its new biotechnology facilities

A huge investment has been given the go-to light that will now ensure that all the equipment and laboratory space at the Centre for Environmental Biotechnology Plus (CEB+) moves forward with implementation.

This follows approval of the business justification case for the CEB+ project by the North Wales Economic Ambition Board, securing funding from the region’s Growth Deal.

The project aims to research unique enzymes and their potential use as products and processes that will have less impact on the environment than current materials and industrial chemicals. This new facility will allow individuals to explore these enzymes and the use of biological processes as low-carbon alternatives.

Along with that, there will be new employment opportunities in the region due to the facility located at Bangor University’s Henfaes site. With the intention to open up 65 new jobs, raising up to £15m net additional GVA and upskilling businesses, the overall impact of the Centre aims to be transformative for North Wales.

Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn, Lead Member for the Innovation in High Value Manufacturing programme and Chair of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board, said, "The Economic Ambition Board is pleased that the CEB+ project has reached this stage, in securing Growth Deal funding. Once the centre is operational, it will not only deliver environmental benefits but also provide supply chain and employment opportunities for businesses and residents across the region. We now look forward to more milestones, as work will begin as early as next month, with completion scheduled for 2025.”

Michael Flanagan, Chief Operating Officer, Bangor University, said, “Bangor University is recognised as a leading UK research and development institution in environmental biotechnology. CEB+ aims to cement this reputation by supporting the development and exploration of over 1,000 enzymes to create low-carbon alternatives to manufacturing processes. We look forward to collaborating with new and existing partners.”

Ken Skates, Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales, said. "It’s great to see this innovative and exciting project take another step forward, backed by funding from the North Wales Growth Deal. It’ll further cement the reputation of Bangor University in the field of research and development, which is good news for the wider region.”

Wales Office Minister, Nia Griffith, said: "It’s fantastic to see UK Government funding supporting cutting-edge research and development at Bangor University. This facility will be an important contributor to the North Wales economy as well as carrying out biotechnology research that will help reduce the environmental impact of some industrial processes.”

The CEB+ project is one of over 20 projects within the North Wales Growth Deal's portfolio. The Growth Deal is an agreement stating it will raise a total investment of over £1 billion for North Wales, creating the spaces for up to 4000 new jobs and increasing GVA by £2.4 billion.