New £4m tech hub will help SMEs secure ‘sustainable future’

MANCHESTER Fuel Cell Innovation Centre (MFCIC) has launched a three-year research project, during which it will work with 50 SMEs.

The centre, based at Manchester Metropolitan University, will house the latest equipment for research into emission-free energy.

The £4m hub has been partially funded by the European Regional Development Fund, which provided £1.6m towards the state-of-the-art facility. The university will fund the remaining cost.

Amer Gaffar, MFCIC partnership director, said: “This is very timely for Manchester with UK hydrogen infrastructure continuing to grow.

“Our aim is to provide the correct conditions for SMEs in the sector to develop new technology but also provide the space and support for new start-up companies to flourish.”

Fuel cell technology is a key market in the region, providing employment for 38,000 people across Greater Manchester.

The centre will also continue the work of Greater Manchester Hydrogen Partnership (GMHP) to engage with schools and promote hydrogen science and new generation technologies.

MFCIC will house technology which will help SMEs in the region develop hydrogen fuel cells to create green energy which could power houses, offices and cars.

Dr David Lambrick, interim pro-vice chancellor for the Faculty of Science and Engineering, said: The big challenge for the 21st century is how we create a sustainable future while meeting demand for energy, which will only continue to rise in the coming years.”

It is anticipated that the work of MFCIC will help SMEs to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

The centre aims to speed up the research and development of high-tech fuel cells to accelerate testing, scale-up for industry and create routes to market.

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