University Science Park to ‘spearhead industrial digital revolution’

The University of Derby Science Park, launched today (13 March) at MIPIM, will be “at the spearhead of the industrial digital revolution”.

The Science Park is next to the world headquarters of Rolls-Royce, and is borne out of a partnership between the University of Derby, Derby City Council, major businesses and entrepreneurs. According to city chiefs at MIPIM it will “write a new chapter in the history of a city with an industrial heritage which stretches back 300 years”.

University of Derby vice-chancellor, Professor Kathryn Mitchell said: “We are delighted to be able to support teams of academics and students who will provide an extra dimension to engender innovation and develop world class products. This opportunity to work within an outstanding facility with a group of innovators is very much welcomed, especially due to the proximity to the manufacturing bases of prestigious companies such as Rolls-Royce, Toyota, Bombardier and JCB.

“We believe that this centre of excellence is a good example of the type of collaboration which will enable the Midlands Engine to both stand out and attract potential investors.
“It clearly demonstrates that Derby remains at the forefront of thinking and making.”

Meanwhile, Derby City Council deputy leader, Martin Rawson said: “None of the science parks which have already been built in the U.K. will be able to equal ours for the quality of collaboration and historical pedigree.

“From The Enlightenment onwards, Derby has been a centre for forward-thinking which has led the world and it still does, particularly in the arenas of aerospace, automobile, maritime and rail.
“The jobs created on the Science Park will be of the very highest quality and will prove that Derby is leading the industrial digital revolution.”

“No other city in the world can match our past achievements in industry and we believe that none will match our future advancements and discoveries.”

The University’s Deputy chief executive, Hari Punchihewa added: “The creation of the University of Derby Science Park has been a shared vision between ourselves, Derby City Council and our business partners.

“We are looking forward to working with businesses across a range of industry sectors and seeing them develop, grow and flourish within the Science Park environment which is world class in supporting innovation, research, skills development and digitisation.”