The SEUPB has announced a funding offer of €5.8 million from the European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme to South West College for the ‘Renewable Engine’ project, which will create a new Research & Innovation focused ‘super cluster’.
The project will focus on the disciplines of advanced manufacturing and renewable energy to help SMEs become more ‘innovation active’ and competitive.
Upon completion it aims to generate 57 years’ worth of research developed at PhD level and above. This research will led to commercial advantage for the participating businesses, on both sides of the border.
Project partners involved within the creation of the ‘super cluster’ include Queen’s University Belfast, the Institute of Technology Sligo, the University of Strathclyde, Manufacturing NI, Action Renewables and Mid Ulster Council.
Recognising the importance of the funding Gina McIntyre CEO of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), which manages the EU’s INTERREG VA Programme said: “The region as a whole is adversely affected by low levels of Research & Innovation within certain business sectors. The ‘Renewable Engine’ project will help to address this through the creation of a new cross-border collaborative partnership that will generate industry-relevant research.
“This research will prove invaluable for businesses working within the renewable energy sector in terms of increasing both their competitiveness and profitability. It will also help to deliver upon one of the core aims of the EU’s INTERREG VA Programme which has been specifically designed to enhance Research & Innovation, on both sides of the border,” she continued.