This month, we welcomed the Chief Executive of Innovate UK (IUK), Indro Mukerjee, to the 3M BIC, alongside colleagues and representatives from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the University of Huddersfield, as part of the West Yorkshire Innovation Festival.
The West Yorkshire Innovation Festival took place from 3-7 October and was designed to celebrate and empower innovation, put a spotlight on business success stories from across the region, and help develop the innovation landscape.
The visit began with a welcome from the 3M BIC’s CEO Sue Cooke, followed by a working lunch where discussions focused around Innovate UK’s future plans, Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) opportunities and University IP- led innovation.
The visitors then had an opportunity to explore the facilities housed at the 3M BIC with a guided tour of Innovation Avenue and met several 3M BIC businesses, some of which are recipients of IUK funding, including:
- Alan Wilson from the National Physical Laboratory, the UK’s National Metrology Institute providing measurement capability, whose Northern Hub has been based at the 3M BIC since 2013 to support local manufacturers.
- Keith McCabe, CEO of Simplifai that has developed a smart traffic solution using artificial intelligence (AI) that will ease traffic congestion, reduce carbon emissions and other traffic-related problems.
- Tim Comyn, Technology Director of Ionix Advanced Technologies, a leading ultrasonic and piezoceramic specialist that develops devices that can be used in high temperature environments.
Sarah Agar-Brennan, Head of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, who leads the Enterprise Hub based at the 3M BIC, was also on hand to demonstrate how the University of Huddersfield supports students and alumni to start their own businesses.
Rob Woollin also showcased the Advanced Machinery and Productivity Institute (AMPI), a 5-year innovation programme, that will focus on developing world leading machinery innovation, advanced materials, automation and production capabilities.
During the day, the visitors also met with AUS, Wayland Additive, Pennine Heritage Ltd, and Coterie all of which have received Innovate UK funding for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), who also contributed to broader discussions around improving the UK innovation eco-system.