Aberystwyth University secures £50 million for Green Futures Innovation Park

Aberystwyth University’s Gogerddan campus will host the new Green Futures Innovation Park after outline plans received funding approval worth just over £50 million. The programme includes up to £14.3 million from the Mid Wales Growth Deal, jointly funded by the Welsh and UK governments, and additional support from UKRI’s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.

The park will build on the university’s expertise in agri‑tech, food security, plant science, bio‑based manufacturing, biorefining and environmental science. It aims to boost research and development in mid‑Wales, create high‑value jobs, attract investment and support start‑ups and small‑medium enterprises. The first phase already sees redevelopment of plant‑growth facilities, upgraded glasshouses, controlled‑environment rooms and specialist isolation labs.

Professor Angela Hatton, Pro Vice‑Chancellor for Research, Knowledge Exchange and Innovation, said, “It’s great to have this backing from our partners to take the first steps forwards with this project. The Gogerddan campus is already home to IBERS’ pioneering plant‑breeding expertise, which helps address pressing global challenges including food security, dietary health.”