Engineering news
Boosting innovation: Two new Catapult centres will be created
The government has committed to invest in two new Catapult centres in energy systems and diagnostics for stratified medicine, business secretary Vince Cable has announced.
The energy systems Catapult will help innovative UK businesses tackle the challenge of creating energy systems that meet future supply and demand - both in the UK and overseas.
Meanwhile, the diagnostics for stratified medicine Catapult will help identify and provide the right care for individual patients, allowing businesses to develop new treatments and reduce the cost of healthcare.
The two new centres will bring the total number of Catapult centres in the network to nine.
Vince Cable said: “Catapult centres have made a significant contribution over the last year, supporting businesses and developing new technologies. The total public and private sector investment in the Catapults so far is £1.4 billion and further investment will follow.
“By committing to investment in new technologies now, we are laying the foundations for the high-growth businesses of the future. This will allow them to grow, take on more employees and keep the UK at the forefront of global innovation.”
As part of the expansion plan, the advanced manufacturing catapult will receive a further £7 million in government funding. In its first year the centre has been involved in 830 projects and engaged with almost 2,000 small and medium sized enterprises.
The original line up of Catapult centres covers high value manufacturing, satellite applications, cell therapy, offshore renewable energy, future cities, transport systems and the connected digital economy sectors.
The cell therapy Catapult is currently preparing to open its £7.5 million laboratory at Guy’s Hospital, London, and has confirmed future collaborations with GSK, the UK Stem Cell Foundation and Loughborough University.