Join us for the virtual launch of AVIATE+ which will support innovative small companies in the AvTech sector to scale and thrive.
Cranfield University has been designated as a University Enterprise Zone (UEZ) by Research England and awarded £1.2 million, enabling the development of the new AVIATE+ facility to support the growth of an AvTech-focused business cluster. The clustering of innovative companies, along with the advantages and benefits of co-location with the University, will create a dynamic environment for AvTech companies to scale and thrive.
Cranfield is a specialist postgraduate university, situated in the heart of the Oxford-Cambridge-Milton Keynes Arc and within the SEMLEP region. The region is at the forefront of the future of flight aerospace sector deal, which aims to make the UK a leader of hybrid-electric and electric propulsion and exploit related new markets such as drones and urban air mobility vehicles.
The University is renowned for its world-class research and facilities. It is the number one university in Europe for aerospace with its own global research airport on site. It has unrivalled links with industry and long-term partnerships with leaders in the sector including Airbus, BAE Systems, Boeing and Rolls-Royce.
AVIATE+ will operate alongside Cranfield’s established Eagle Lab which was set up in partnership with Barclays to incubate early-stage companies in the AvTech sector. AVIATE+ will support companies as they move further along their growth journey and will provide private workshop space, a fully equipped makerspace, co-working-desks, tailored business advice, introductions to investors and help to access the University’s cutting-edge expertise and graduate talent.
With technology developing at pace, Cranfield University is in an ideal position to accelerate innovation in aviation. AVIATE+ will offer a number of membership options to support small firms who have high-growth potential in this sector and bring to fruition the technology of tomorrow.
Event Programme
| 9:30-9:55am | Dr Christine Thompson - Director of Research and Innovation, Cranfield University Paul Scully MP - UK Government Minister for Small Business Hilary Chipping – Chief Executive, SEMLEP Cllr Richard Wenham – Leader, Central Bedfordshire Council |
| 9:55-10:25am |
Cranfield University, world-class expertise and facilities to support your business
Professor Iain Gray - Director of Aerospace, Cranfield University Dr Stephanie Hussels - Director of the Bettany Centre for Entrepreneurship, Cranfield University Dr Adrian Cole - Programme Manager DARTeC, Cranfield University |
| 10:25-11:00am |
Cranfield University Enterprise Zone and AVIATE+, incubation and grow on support
Veronica Rigby - Business Development Manager AVIATE+, Cranfield University and the cluster and business support team |
| 11:00-11:15am | Break |
| 11:15am-12:00pm |
Company collaborations showcase
Herotech8 - Edward Anastassacos, CEO 114ai - Vinayak Dalmia, Director MIME Technologies - Anne Roberts CEO SAMAD Aerospace – Seyed Mohseni CEO QudSAT– Joakim Espeland CEO |
| 12:00-12:45pm |
Funding and support for your business
Rob Desborough – Seraphim Space Fund, Partner and CEO Seraphim Space Camp Lewis Stringer - British Business Bank, Senior Manager UK Network – East & South-East Midlands Wil Benton - ATI Boeing Accelerator, Venture and Ecosystem Director Dr Sandra Messenger - Knowledge Exchange Manager RIO Cranfield University Kamran Hussein - Knowledge Transfer Advisor, KTN Vicky Hlomuka – Growth Hub Manager SEMLEP Liz Boadi – Ecosystem Manager, Cranfield Eagle Lab Veronica Rigby - Business Development Manager AVIATE+, Cranfield University |
| 12:45-1:00pm | Round up and close |
Who should attend
Entrepreneurs, businesses, suppliers and partners looking to engage with Cranfield’s Aerospace and AvTech cluster.
Cost
Free to join.How to register
Register now to hear more about AVIATE+ and the team behind it on 22 June.
