Due to a joining of forces between Swindon borough council, and Brunel University of London, a bid has been submitted to help bring forward a drone and defence technology cluster.
Initial bid
The bid has been submitted to UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Local Investment in Partnerships Fund (LIPF), specifically to advance the cluster in uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), autonomy and defence technology.
The plan is for the cluster to be set up in Swindon, and a formal application has been prepared for a 60-month programme designed to support the rapid manufacturing growth required.
Swindon is already a productive local economy, the Borough has delivered £12.7 billion in gross value added (GVA), making it an ideal location for the LIPF to set up a long-term project.
Even if the bid is successful however, the funding alone won’t be enough to deliver on the full ambitions of the partnership, as the level of infrastructure and specialist facilities required is too high.
Due to this, work is being undertaken with industry partners on a deliverable programme.
Comments
Cllr Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said “Swindon has a long history of leading in innovation, and our emerging cluster in autonomous and uncrewed systems has the potential to play a major role in the UK’s future industrial strength.
Professor Geoff Rodgers, Pro Vice Chancellor (Enterprise and Employment) at Brunel University of London, said “Brunel University of London is proud to be working with Swindon Borough Council to accelerate the UK’s leadership in uncrewed systems and advanced manufacturing
“This partnership brings together world-class research, innovative industry and regional ambition to drive high-skilled jobs, sovereign capability and long-term economic growth.”
The future
A decision on the LIPF application is expected in the coming weeks.
Image: The Science Museum Group
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