HI-TECH companies in Science City York are being asked to "come to Pittsburgh".

The South Yorkshire International Trade Centre wants York's biotechnology, pharmaceutical and health care firms to take part in a four-day trade mission to the US from October 23.

The mission, funded by Trade Partners UK, is offering York companies and others a chance to tap into some of the world's most advanced research in biosciences. Eligible companies can obtain grants towards travel and accommodation costs to the extent that the mission could cost them a mere £291.

Led by Dr Simon Ward, managing director of Molecular Skin Care and chairman of the South Yorkshire Business Environmental Network, the trade mission will coincide with the first trans-Atlantic Business Conference hosted by the city of Pittsburgh and organised by the British-American Business Council.

Shaun Warren, international trade team manager, said that in much the same way as York, known as the Chocolate City, had reinvented itself as Science City, Pittsburgh had moved from being Steel Town to Knowledge Town.

He said: "There are big parallels between the bioscience 'incubators' proving so successful in York and Pittsburgh's year-old massively-funded Life Science Greenhouse, and both sides can not only learn from one another, but also form valuable partnerships and strategic alliances."

Anna Rooke, of Science City York, said: "This mission to Pittsburgh represents a fantastic opportunity for York companies to foster partnering opportunities and investment contacts."

Anyone interested in joining the trade mission should hurry - the deadline is August 8. Phone Mr Warren on 0114 201 2572.

Updated: 11:09 Tuesday, July 29, 2003