Cluster Development

Aim

•Support the advanced engineering and manufacturing cluster in the East of England

•Facilitate programs bringing together academia, public and private sector to deliver world class Research, Technology Development and Innovation

•Deliver innovative engineering solutions for a low carbon / clean tech economy  

How ?

•Environment: Enterprise Hub (acting as an Innovation Hub)

•Demand: Idea, Challenge, Market need / failure

•Partnerships: Small / large businesses, R&D orgs eg universities & relevant public sector support organisations eg Renewables East

•Tools: Project Management, Open / Structured Innovation

•Funding: Access to Finance, TSB, ERDF, Private (eg VC), HEC Launchpad / Hot desks

•Manning: Private sector experts, HEC team

Current Programs include:

Wind Energy

• Program discussed recently with Minister for Energy & Climate Change
• Following securing £100k public / private sector investment supply chain feasibility study to start
• Business start-up to lead program

Low carbon automotive

• Range Extender program now seeking TSB funding
• Business start-up to lead program

Sub sea communication

Alternative Fuels

• DME (Dimethyl Ether)