Centre for Sustainable Innovation enjoys huge growth in Q1 of 2024

February saw the launch of the Innovation Labs programme, a fully funded business support programme delivered by CSI in collaboration with the Greater Manchester Growth Hub and experts from North of England Robotics Innovation Centre (NERIC). The 3-day innovation programme is aimed at providing businesses with a safe environment to explore ideas, gain access to experts, and help shape their projects through to commercialisation readiness.

Work is ongoing on an Accelerated Knowledge Transfer project, led by Associate Professor of Digital Transformation at Salford’s CSI, Dr Angel Jimenez-Aranda. The project will include academics from the CSI working closely with an SMEto develop a user-friendly and effective digital tool.

Most recently, working closely with Salford Business School’s BIS team the CSI has helped to support several business innovation projects for local businesses, These projects are match funded by the University and bring together business and academia to drive forward innovation.

The Centre will also launch its first of many Industry workshops in April, the first one delivered by Dr. Ann Mulhaney focusses on how businesses can develop digital skills. Digital transformation is key to driving innovation, productivity and growth in UK business but without investment in developing and maintaining digital skills, this transformation will never be realised. To find out more click here.

Now, the Centre is recruiting further roles as it continues to expand, including a new Business Development post and recently appointed Research Associates aligned to existing projects such as the Centre for Digital Innovation.

Sara Boswell, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Innovation, commented: “The last three months have been a whirlwind of activity, the support from across the University and engagement form affiliates has been fantastic. Seeing the way that local businesses have engaged with the project just demonstrates to us the need for the Centre. We are continuously building new relationships and supporting business to overcome their challenges through embedding innovative solutions. I’d like to say a huge thank you to Dr Francine Morris, Associate Dean Enterprise & Engagement for her vision in establishing the CSI, and to all of my team for their hard work in making this such a success so far.”

To find out more about the Centre for Sustainable Innovation visit https://sustainable-innovation.salford.ac.uk/. You can also email sustainable-innovation@salford.ac.uk to find out more about how the CSI can support your business in the fields of digital transformation, sustainability and change management.