MTC offers EV firms help accessing funding and technology
MIDLANDS-based SMEs involved in the development of electric vehicles have received help with funding, consultancy and access to world-class simulation technology at a major seminar held at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry.
The event was organised and hosted by the CASiM2 virtual simulation team at the MTC in partnership with Coventry University Enterprises and the Electric and Intelligent Vehicles Project. It was aimed at offering SMEs in the region direct access to funding opportunities of up to £30,000 and consultancy support.
The 70 delegates were also given a briefing on the CASiM2 project which offers manufacturing SMEs the chance to test and trial new products and ideas using the latest virtual simulation technology.
CASiM2 is supported by a £2.6m grant from the European Regional Development Fund, managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government. Match funding and staff skills are provided by the MTC, the University of Birmingham and Rolls Royce.
Exhibitors and presenters at the seminar included Electric and Intelligent Vehicles, CASiM2, Innovation Networks, the International Innovation Centre, Metrology for Industry West Midlands, ECO Business, Technology and Innovation Futures West Midlands, the Green Bridge supply chain programme, Touch Digital and the Manufacturing Advisory Service.
Delegates were able to meet funders on a one-to-one basis to discuss their needs. Attendees were also given a tour of the MTC’s cutting edge facilities including the state-of-the-art fully immersive virtual reality suite.
The MTC recently launched a campaign to encourage SMEs to take advantage of the centre’s knowledge and expertise.
MTC strategic development director, Neil Rawlinson, said: “This event provides businesses with that elusive yet essential opportunity to find out more about the support that’s available in the region, and most importantly, get SMEs talking to the people who can simplify the routes to funding. At the MTC we are keen to communicate to SMEs that we are an open access centre and can provide a flexible approach to working with companies of all sizes.”
The Manufacturing Technology Centre, on Ansty Park, opened in 2011 following a £40m publicly-funded investment. It is a partnership between some of the UK’s major global manufacturers and three forward-thinking universities: Birmingham, Nottingham and Loughborough as well as TWI Ltd, the operating division of The Welding Institute.
