The High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVM Catapult) is coming Manchester’s Circle Square, alongside deep tech innovation organisation, and social enterprise CPI, which will also be joining Bruntwood SciTech’s ecosystem of collaborative communities at the recently opened city centre space.
The arrival of the catapult will bridge the region’s manufacturing output gap of £500m million according to research cited by HVM Catapult.
HVM Catapults describes itself as a group of “independent, not-for-profit private organisations transforming the UK’s capability for innovation in sectors of strength. We are physical centres with cutting-edge R&D infrastructure including hubs, testbeds, factories and offices, as well as technical experts that prove breakthrough products, processes, services and technologies.”
HVM Catapult’s seven centres of industrial innovation, including CPI, were brought together in 2011 by Innovate UK. In 2021/22, the network worked with more than 5,500 industrial partners. CPI collaborates with partners in industry, academia, government and the investment community to catalyse the delivery of incredible healthcare and sustainability innovations.
The first HVM Catapult presence in Manchester will support the region to deliver its technology and innovation plans and bolster the local economy. HVM Catapult and CPI will encourage businesses to invest in innovation and support the creation of new products and processes, which could boost productivity in the region by up to £500m a year.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “This is fantastic news for Greater Manchester, and especially for our manufacturing sector. The HVM Catapult is there to help businesses innovate, which will spark further investment and the support the creation of high-quality jobs. Going back to the Industrial Revolution, our city-region has been at the centre of advances in science and technology. Innovation is just as important to our future. Increased R&D spending and more productive businesses can power the growth of our economy and level up the North.”
Frank Millar, CEO of CPI, added: “CPI has worked collaboratively with businesses and institutions in Manchester over several years. With its industrial history, outstanding academic institutions, and thriving start-up, science and technology scene, opening an office in Manchester is delivering our strategy to enable place-based innovation. We’re excited to support businesses in Greater Manchester to become more competitive, delivering impact in the local economy, developing skills, and creating and protecting high-value jobs.”
Dr Kath Mackay, director for life sciences at Bruntwood SciTech, said: “This exciting partnership aligns perfectly with our vision and model of curating interconnected, industry-leading innovation districts and ecosystems right across the UK. With CPI and the Manufacturing Technology Centre – both founding members in the Catapult, already operating from Liverpool Science Park and the HVM Catapult in talks for further sites with us, there has never been greater access to facilities, funding, talent, or collaboration opportunities for science and tech businesses looking to form, scale and grow in the UK’s leading regional cities.”
