The Manchester Innovation Activities Hub (MIAH) has joined forces with Driving the Electric Revolution Industrialisation Centres (DER-IC), a UK-wide network of over 30 Universities and Research and Technology Organisations (RTO).
MIAH has partnered with DER-IC, who play a vital role in growing UK manufacturing in power electronics, machines and drives (PEMD). PEMD forms the foundation of critical control and motion technologies across all sectors, and next-generation PEMD is essential to the decarbonisation of industrial activity in the UK.
Opening in May 2024, The Manchester Innovation Activities Hub is a £4 million net-zero industrialisation and electrification skills training centre to support innovative SMEs to commercialise and deploy net zero innovations at speed and rapidly upskill the workforce they need to scale up. To reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, industries of all kinds must move to clean technologies and electrification.
Using DER-IC network equipment and capability, businesses can develop and verify new manufacturing processes and product performance ahead of committing to capital investment, reducing the cost and risk of new product introduction (NPI), and achieving a faster time to market. DER-IC can facilitate targeted introductions and open access to the most relevant researchers, engineers, and capabilities across the partner network.
As one of DER-IC’s network partners, MIAH will support the PEMD supply chain in Greater Manchester and across the North West to access collaborative industry-led projects and funding opportunities.
Marilyn Comrie OBE, CEO of MIAH, said: “Our collaboration with the DER-IC network is the first step in supporting Greater Manchester to become a leader in the low carbon economy, through the design, development, and manufacturing of power electronics, machines and drives.
“We look forward to working closely with the DER-IC consortium to unlock the economic benefits from PEMD manufacturing for local companies wishing to decarbonise.”
Professor Matt Boyle OBE, executive chair of DER-IC, added: “I am thrilled to welcome Manchester Innovation Activities Hub to the Consortium of Driving the Electric Revolution Industrialisation Centres. Its commitment to innovation aligns seamlessly with our mission to drive the electric revolution forward. Together, alongside the rest of the DER-IC network, we will help shape the future of electrification, supporting the growth of the UK’s PEMD manufacturing industry.”
Located at Bruntwood’s BASE development at Manchester Science Park, the 11,000sq. ft MIAH facility will provide industrial fabrication equipment, workshops, immersive technology labs, training rooms and access to specialist consultancy services, business support, funding, and investment.
