Cranfield University is a designated University Enterprise Zone and was awarded £1.2 million from Research England (RED Fund) to create a UK Aviation Innovation and Technology Entrepreneurship cluster.
Aerospace has been identified by the UK Government as being strategically important to the economy. The cluster supports growth in the sector while expanding Cranfield’s University’s business incubation infrastructure.
Cranfield University already has the Cranfield Eagle Lab, developed in partnership with Barclays, on site. This is a business incubator facility for early-stage companies in the AvTech sector and is supported by the Royal Aeronautical Society, Garfield Weston Foundation and aerospace industry partners. Cranfield Eagle Labs provides support for early stage companies and offers office facilities and a communal maker space area for businesses at the initial stages of their product design.
Research England funding has supported the development of a new facility, AVIATE+ providing grow-on space and tailored support. The new infrastructure, will particularly benefit SMEs with a clear product development pathway and demonstrating high growth potential.
Professor Iain Gray, Director of Aerospace at Cranfield University, said: “Based at Cranfield’s Global Research Airport AVIATE+ will play a vital role in accelerating the growth of innovative AvTech start-up companies.
“With the industry fully committed to achieving its net zero ambitions and a more sustainable future, we are seeing more and more start-ups developing cleaner innovative technology. With our wide-range of leading research facilities and expertise we are delighted to be helping accelerate them on their journey.”
With membership options including workshops, co-working desks and virtual , we welcome enquiries from the local, regional, national and international AvTech businesses to become a part of this vibrant community.
If you missed the AVIATE+ launch event or would like to re-visit any of the presentations you can watch the recording using the link below.
Passcode: GgPV*62v
